The Glasshouses at Fletching Common

Our business is called Free Spirits Ltd. We are e-business specialists. In 2004 we set up Plants 4 Presents.

By Mother's Day 2006 it was obvious that we couldn't continue from our existing premises so after a long search for 5000 sq feet to store the plants and organise a packing station we ended up here.

 Here is in Sussex - between Hayward's Heath (45 minutes by train to London) and Lewes and within easy reach of Brighton. Nearest village is Newick - about 3/4 of a mile away.

Life being what it is - the only way to get 5000 square feet was to take 105,000 square feet - 2 acres under glass. About 1/4 was growing Alstromeria - the rest was abandoned.

And yet it's not in bad condition considering. We have computer controls based on first generation microprocessor boards which are out of date yet built like tanks. The vents work, the thermal screens and covers work and even the irrigation works.

We have in fact acquired a market garden under glass.

So here's what we did. We put all the growing areas into transition with the Soil Association. and became fully organic  by September 2008.  

2 years on its a growing business contributing to the main operation. We started by piloting 1/4 acre in half of one of the large houses.

focusing on Peas, Mangetout, Lettuce, Pak Choy, Carrots, French Beans Garlic and Chard. With many more varieties under way.

Currently we focus on a range of leaves - chard, salad, stirfry - roots like beetroot, turnips, parsnips and more exotic plants like aubergines, squash, beans and tomatilloes 

Further details below