Gardening talent Meet Ollie Hutson, senior kitchen gardener at the Pig Hotels’ group

As senior kitchen gardener, overseeing growing for the Pig Group, Ollie Hutson is key to the success of the food-focused hotels that describe themselves as restaurants with rooms

Who has inspired your career the most? My grandfather Derek Hutson, who showed me his allotment and shared his skills with me as a child. My friend Michael Edwards, a tree officer (and tree guru) who fostered my love of growing in my teenage years and early twenties. James Wong and Jekka McVicar, two massive inspirations in my professional life and my two favourite garden authors. If gardening is a career change, what did you do before? I originally trained in countryside management at Sparsholt College with a particular interest in woodland and river management. I have had various roles in conservation and countryside management including coppicer, marine warden and vineyard manager. Three worthwhile tips for gardeners Plant your veg closer together than you think you should. This reduces evaporation, meaning less watering, and helps plants outcompete some weeds, which will also save on labour in the garden. Only plant what you will use: there is nothing worse than growing some fantastic courgettes, only to realise that nobody in the household likes courgettes. If you can, choose crops that will repeat to keep your plot productive for longer. Dream plant destination The US west coast: they have fantastic trees from the massive redwoods to the ancient bristlecone pines. There are also amazing vineyards and they have a progressive attitude to kitchen gardening. Unsung hero of the plant world Edible weeds, such as hairy bittercress, nettles and dandelions. They can all be used in the kitchen. I love plants with a purpose, either edible or medicinal. What is the hardest gardening-related thing you’ve had to do? Single-handedly growing the vegetables for a function attended by 1,200 people. Our aim was to be self-sufficient with the veg. It was seven months of hard work, but very rewarding in the end. Favourite gardening books The Herb Society Journal; Jekka’s Complete Herb Book by Jekka McVicar; Grow for Flavour by James Wong. What’s the next big task you’ll be tackling in the garden? Planning for next year’s growing is due to start soon, which will include constructing some mushroom-growing houses. Further information There are five Pig Hotels, all in the south of England, offering rooms and kitchen garden food. thepighotel.com