Give it a grow: Frances Tophill’s tips & tricks for getting into growing
The sun is shining and there is no time like the present to embrace the natural world around you.
In fact, nearly two thirds of adults in Britain report that spending time gardening or amongst nature has improved their mental health. But what about those who are not sure what to grow or where to start?
As we mark Great British Pea Week, we’ve teamed up with Frances Tophill – horticulturalist, author, presenter and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Women in Trade ambassador – to share her top tips for getting started on your own gardening adventure.
Having first entered the gardening sector when an apprenticeship became available down the road from her, Frances has gone on to become a regular on horticultural programmes with a passion for enthusing more people to get into growing.
As an advocate for greater equality and diversity within the sector, Frances has put together her recommendations for getting into growing, highlighting the accessibility of the activity for all:
A sunny balcony, windowsill, or doorstep is enough to get started. Pots, crates or even old buckets can become wonderful growing spaces.
Herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes or peas — pick a few favourites and keep it simple. The best things to grow are the ones you’re excited to harvest.
Peas, radishes, lettuce and courgettes are perfect for beginners. Fast growing = feel good! You’ll be able to reap the rewards of your efforts quickly, building motivation to keep going and try new things.
Climbers need something to grow up and so do we. Join a local gardening group or community allotment for tips and motivation or speak to your neighbours! Allotments are awash with people who know the ground, climate and what grows best. They might also water occasionally if you’re away!
It’s not all or nothing and its definitely time to forget perfect. Sow a few seeds, see what happens and learn as you grow. Every gardener starts with a guess, a trowel and a bucket load of optimism.
Find out more about Frances’ work and her experiences in the gardening sector below.
She discusses the progress being made to encourage more women into the industry. You can read more on her Instagram post.
"My advice for women considering a trade career would be: do it. There are challenges to be overcome but the same can be said of daily life. Working in the trades can give you so much - great colleagues, job satisfaction, mental stimulation, creative challenges and plenty of opportunities. The world really is your oyster."
"When a gardening apprenticeship became available down the road from me, I went for it - partly because I've always loved being outside. It wasn't until I started the job that I realised how much a physical, practical job actually suited me. I feel very lucky to have stumbled into my career in this way."
"The main challenges when I was starting out in a male-dominated trade were colleagues' perceptions and my own self- belief. Something I'm sure many women still grapple with is how to dress for interviews. Too smart and people believe you're 'too girly' for the job; too scruffy and they read into it that you're not interested."
"I now work in the food growing and community sector rather than large estate gardens - it's harder work in some respects but more supportive and equal, which I find to be a really refreshing and exciting work environment."
Frances
@francestophill
