FAQs

Organic by simple definition means 'relating to or derived from living matter.' When used in a food production or farming sense, it means that produce is certified by one of the government approved control bodies. There are no artificial fertilisers pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or insecticides used in the production of the produce.

Farmers use, grow and rotate a mixture of crops to keep the soil fertile and use other natural methods to prevent disease and reduce pests. All farms are inspected at least once a year by one of the control bodies to ensure that they comply with the high standards set down by legislation. 

Farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies (a fact supported not only by the Government but also major conservation groups like the RSPB and WWF). The UK Government’s own advisors found that plant, insect and bird life is up to 50% greater on organic farms.

This form of ethical and environmental farming also produces less carbon dioxide (the main global warming gas) as well as fewer dangerous wastes generally. Choosing local and seasonal food grown using organic principals can significantly reduce your carbon footprint

Genetically modified (GM) crops aren’t allowed under these standards.Read more

Biodynamic farming is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. This practice recognises that the Earth is a living, interconnected organism, and that farmers should work with, harness, and encourage its natural behaviours. A biodynamic farm functions as a strong, self-sustaining and vibrant single organism that recognises and respects the basic principles at work in nature. As another form of organic farming, artificial fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are strictly avoided.

Biodynamics originated in the 1920s, out of the work of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, an Austrian social philosopher who was widely admired at the turn of the twentieth century. Methods unique to the biodynamic approach include using fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays, and following an astronomical sowing and planting calendar. The special manure and herb-based preparations that are applied to the fields and compost have been shown to significantly improve the health and well being of soil, plant and animal as well as enhancing the vitality, flavour and keeping qualities of the produce.

There are independent certification agencies for biodynamic products. Learn more at Biodynamic AssociationRead more

Spray-free farms, like organic farms, don’t use artificial fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Many small producers that are working towards organic certification are spray-free farms.Read more

As a small veg scheme, we don’t have the resources to organise and offer bespoke bags. We also champion the principles of seasonal eating, and do our best to offer a variety of what's in season throughout the year. If you simply don't like something, we challenge you to give it another go with a new recipe or preparation you may not have tried before. If you definitely still don't like it, we have swap boxes at many collection points where you can trade an item you don't love for one that you do.

If you have a food allergy to certain fruits or veg, please do contact us to discuss how we can create a bag to suit your dietary needs.Read more

Yes! We don't want anyone to miss out on delicious veg because of an allergy. We are able to amend our bags for customers who may be allergic to some of the fruit or veg supplied. Please email us at info@localgreens.org.uk so we can discuss your specific allergy and the best options for you. We do request that only customers with real food allergies, not simply veg dislikes, contact us about this.Read more

Yes, you can easily add to or change your order from your customer account. Follow these instructions:

1. Click the 'Your Account' button in the top menu and log in using your username and password. This will bring up your account page

2. To edit your order select the pen & paper icon next to your existing order 

3. You can change / add to or remove items from your order here as well as delaying your order date

4. Save all changes

 Do note that any account changes must be made by Wednesday at 11pm to take effect for the delivery on the following Thursday. Any changes made after this cut off will be available for the week after, meaning there will be one Thursday between where your previous order will still be in effect.
 
 If you increase your order value, a payment will be debited immediately via Stripe.
 
 Please note, if you don't have a valid payment method, you won't be able to place an order until this is updated.

 Read more

We feature seasonal add-ins throughout the year, depending on what is bountiful on the farms. Please see our newsletter and social media each week for the available add-ins.

You can login to your customer account and select the Add Ins tab > Add the Item you want to receive > Select the frequency you want to receive this item & the quantity size > Add to To Basket 

This will be reflected in your next Stripe charge.Read more

Yes! Many customers use this option to manage the amount of veg they receive.  If you'd like to set up fortnightly delivery, please Login to your account > Select pen & paper 'edit your order' icon > Change frequency to 'every 2 weeks' > Save ChangesRead more

Yes! We know life happens - new jobs, new babies, holidays - and you may need to take a break from weekly deliveries from time to time. If you need to pause deliveries for a week or for awhile, you can do this from your customer account:

1. Click the 'Your Account' button in the top menu and log in using your username and password. 
2. Select the profile icon > holidays
3. Tick the box for any dates you would like to register a holiday
4. If you would like to donate your bags to the food bank when you are away, you can also register this preference here.

 Do note that any account changes must be made by Wednesday at 11pm to take effect for the delivery on the following Thursday. Any changes made after this cut off will be available for the week after, meaning there will be one Thursday between where we may still deliver your bag.Read more

We request a one month notice for your cancellation. This gives us enough time to process on our end and manage orders with our farmers. You will continue to get your veg until the end of the month in which your cancellation is processed. If you have any questions please contact us.

To cancel your bag, please email info@localgreens.org.uk

 Read more

Changing your collection point is easy from your customer account

1. Log in using the 'Your Account' button in the top menu
2. Click on the profile icon > collection point
3. Select your preferred collection point here > Set collection point

Do note that any account changes must be made by Wednesday at 11pm to take effect for the delivery on the following Thursday. Any changes made after this cut off will be available for the week after, meaning there will be one Thursday between where your previous collection point will still be in effect.Read more

Local Greens charges on a weekly basis.
 
When you sign up and place an order, you will be asked for your payment method and details to set up your Stripe payment method. Local Greens does not have access to this information.
 
If you didn't manage to setup a Stripe when registering, you can do this in your account.

1. Log in using your username and password. This will bring up your account page
2. Click on the 'Profile icon button in the top menu
3. Click on Payment Methods
4. Click on the Add a Payment method button
5. Complete all fields and confirm details
Read more

Details about all of our bag types, including example contents and weekly costs, can be found on the Our Bags page. Our most accurate information can be found there.

When you register for a weekly veg bag, you will be directed to setup a direct debit with Stripe. Payments are taken weekly or whenver you change and confirm a new order.Read more

Details about each bag type, including example contents and costs, can be found on the Our Bags page

Below are general guidelines for what we strive to include on a weekly basis in each bag. The contents is seasonal, and will change week to week throughout the year and follow what is available from our farmers and suppliers. Please use this as a guideline only.

Small (Yellow) - A selection of 6 varieties of seasonal produce

Small no potatoes (Green) - A selection of 6 varieties of seasonal produce

Standard (Blue) - A selection of 8 to 9 varieties of seasonal produce

Standard no potatoes (Red) - A selection of 8 to 9 varieties of seasonal produce

Veggie++ (Purple) - A selection of 12+ varieties of seasonal produce

Fruit (Brown) - A selection of 2 to 3 seasonal fruit varietiesRead more

 If there is ever anything less than perfect with your bag, please let us know. We want to make it right and have you enjoying veg as a happy customer.

Please email us at info@localgreens.org.uk if you can’t find the right bag at your collection point, an item is missing, or you have any questions about quantity or quality. We are here to help!Read more

We work hard to bring you fresh, high-quality produce and our packing team quality checks all veg before going into your bags. However, things happen and if there is ever anything less than perfect with your bag, please let us know. We want to make it right and have you enjoying veg as a happy customer.

Please email us at info@localgreens.org.uk so we can look into the issue and resolve it with you. We are here to help!Read more

The best place to see what veggies are coming to you this week is on our Instagram page.

We post the bag contents there each Wednesday morning and it will be the most up to date.

You can also check the This Week's Bag page for the weekly contents. This is published before we know if any substitutions or changes are coming from the farms, so Instagram is the most reliable source. Be sure to also stay subscribed to our customer newsletter that arrives each Thursday with the latest bag information.Read more

That depends on the season! Eating seasonally celebrates eating the right food at the right time of the year. Seasonal vegetables taste better because they are grown when and where they should be, and are packed with the nutrients and minerals our bodies need at particular times of year. Additionally, seasonal eating is better for the planet as growing in season requires lower levels of artificial inputs and transportation across long distances.

To always be in-the-know with seasonal veg, download our handy UK Seasonal Veg Calendar here.

This is a guide only and not a comprehensive list of all the fruit and vegetables that we supply. As weather and nature are unpredictable, some crops may shift beyond these guidelines.Read more

There is no set weight for each bag and it will vary greatly throughout the year. Summer salads and tomatoes will weigh much less than winter root vegetables, for example.

The price of veg is also not relative to the weight. For example, £1 worth of lettuce weighs far less than £1 worth of beetroot, so in the summer months, bags may be lighter but will still maintain the variety and quantity of other months. The price of the produce changes as the season changes too. For example, at the beginning of the spring season, the cost of new potatoes and carrots is high, and comes down later in the season, so you may get more as the season progresses.

 Read more

We charge for the following week the Wednesday prior at 11pm.  We are unable to process orders without a payment method registered.
We're not for profit and greatly appreciate you keeping your payment methods up to date so we can pay our farmers and staff.Read more

We’re committed to sourcing from farms and suppliers as local as practicably possible. We receive most of our veg via the Better Food Shed, the wholesale arm of the Better Food Traders.

You can view a list of our current providers on our Farmers page

We guarantee these farmers and producers a market for their veg and ensure they get the best price for their crop. Along with what will be in your bags, we list the farm or supplier for each item, so you will know each week where your food comes from.Read more

We have taken great steps in reducing our use of plastic packaging. In March 2018, we moved all of our bags to 100% reusable bags. Many of our suppliers have also shifted to using compostable plastic or paper bags for more delicate items. Anything Local Greens packages ourselves at the arch will be in compostable plastic or paper bags.

Occasionally, a supplier may send us leafy, highly perishable greens packaged in plastic. This is because it is the best way to maintain and preserve the quality and freshness of these greens that would otherwise spoil in transit or delivery and arrive to you inedible. Our supplier for many leafy greens, Wild Country Organic has written more in depth on this topic. If you receive a plastic bag, we ask you to reuse it. When it comes to the end of its usefulness, many supermarkets have bins that will accept these types of bags for recycling.

For a local scheme like ours, change can take time. Logistically and financially, we feel change more than larger box schemes and we are working to keep single-use plastic out of our bags where we can.Read more

The £5 charge is a refundable deposit for the reusable bags that your veg comes in each week. We ask that you return your old bag when you collect your new one each week so that our system always has enough in circulation. When you leave the scheme and have returned all of your reusable bags, we can refund your deposit.Read more

Once you have dropped off your last bag, please email us to let us know and we will issue a refundRead more

Please return your bags to any of our collection points. We would love to have them back - our system depends on them.Read more

Please email us if you think you are due a refund. It can take up to 4-6 weeks for the refund to reach you.Read more

info@localgreens.org.uk

07808 651665

Our contact information is in the footer of this website. You can also use the handy letter icon in the top menu to send us an email.Read more

Wednesday at 11pm is the latest you can make a change for the following Thursday. When you submit your change by this deadline, it will be processed in time for deliveries on the next Thursday. Anything after this time, it will be two weeks before the change takes effect. If you have any questions or doubts, please do contact us.Read more

You'll receive an automatic email to confirm your order which shows exactly what bag type and any add-ins you have purchased. There is also a printed list at each collection point that shows your name and which bag you are receiving that week. You can also log into your account for this information. Read more

No. Fruit bags are supplementary bags that can only be ordered with a veg bag.Read more

We deliver on Thursdays and bags are available for collection from 3pm. Do be sure to consult the collection times for your specific collection point for opening and closing times.Read more

We guarantee our bags until the close of business on Friday for each collection point. Some points clear out the veg after this time, so your bag may not be available. Some points are unmanned and will still have remaining bags there on Sunday. The veg may not be its best at that point, but you are still welcome to collect it. We are only able to help with missing bags or quality issues for bags collected within our guaranteed time frame.Read more

Email us as soon as possible and we will be able to donate your bag to the food bank. It will not go to waste and will go to someone who will be very grateful for it.Read more

If your name is not on the list at the collection point, please do not take a bag. You are not in our system for delivery that week and we have counted enough bag numbers only for the people on the list. Please call, text or email us from the collection point and we can investigate with you.Read more