Why Emma would be an effective mentor

  • Emma, who has an MSc in Sustainable Horticulture and Food Production, is an experienced horticulturalist, grower, lecturer, mentor and small business owner.  Based in Llanidloes, this former university lecturer now combines running her own horticulture business with working as a part-time trainer and mentor.  
  • Emma set up a five-acre agro-ecological market garden in Llanidloes around 20 years ago. Ash & Elm Horticulture www.ashandelm.co.uk  now employs four staff.  A community-based enterprise, the garden is open to visitors and for direct sales of fruit, vegetables and flowers.  She recently extended the flower enterprise to include flowers by post.  The garden is available to organisations including local scout groups, Montgomeryshire wildlife trust youth action groups as well as for seasonal open days and wellness events. Volunteer days are arranged as part of the garden’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) vegetable project.  
  • Since 2018, Emma has worked as a part-time trainer and mentor to Farm Start trainees, on the Pathways to Farming course (part of the Tyfu Dyfi project) where trainees are taught to create a business and cropping plan to start a horticultural primary producer business.  She plans and delivers both practical and classroom-based learning on topics ranging from soil and plant science to propagation, growing edibles and ornamentals as well as relevant business and marketing topics.  
  • Conversant with conventional, modern organic and regenerative growing, Emma’s main passion is on soil micrology and the science behind successful growing techniques and yields.  She has carried out numerous horticulture trials, working with affiliated organisations including the Soil Association’s Innovative Farmers project and the Savari Research Trust.  These have included projects ranging from growing potatoes, brassicas and seeds to composts, mulches and perennial green manures. 
  • Emma’s skills as an effective lecturer and mentor sit alongside her personal achievements in setting up a successful horticulture business, where she deals with all business management and finances, staffing and marketing.  Expect to be inspired by her knowledge of this niche sector, whether you are just starting out or looking to develop or diversify your current business. 

Current horticulture business

  • Five acre agro-ecological market garden growing seasonal vegetables, nuts, fruits, mushrooms and flowers for cutting.   These are sold throughout North Powys through a CSA vegetable bag scheme as well as to local markets, shops and restaurants.  
  • A small nursery at the site operates as an additional sales outlet for excess plants. 
  • Emma set up her ‘Ash and Elm’ website as well as an online vegetable shop where customers can order produce and link up with other food hubs.
  • Earlier this year, she launched a new website for selling ‘sustainable, Welsh mail order flowers’  www.welshflowerbarrow.co.uk  

Qualifications/achievements/ experience

  • 2015    MSc Sustainable Horticulture and Food Production, Plymouth University
  • 2008    Certificate in Education – Coleg Powys
  • 2023    Appointed coach for the DEFRA New Entrant Support Scheme (NESS)
  • 2011    Supporting Adults and Young People in Essential Skills
  • 2005    Higher National Diploma in Organic Horticulture - WCOH

 Top tips for business success 

“Make a business plan in the winter so that by the time the growing season starts in March, you hit the ground running!"  
“Always have a site plan, a marketing plan, financial forecasts and a cropping plan which sets out sowing and harvesting dates. It’s the only way to manage your time and resources efficiently.”
 

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