Author

Experience

  • 26 years at Mr Fothergills as a Buyer
  • Purchasing seed for all brands
  • Selecting new varieties every year
  • Evaluating varieties on the trial ground
  • Visit garden events & trade shows
  • Trial & supplier visits throughout Europe

Rachel Cole

About Me

I'm passionate about gardening, and within six months of starting at D.T. Brown, I rented an allotment—and I’ve never looked back. I love growing both flowers and vegetables, but my favourite time of year is spring when seeds begin to germinate. My top crops to grow are tomatoes and runner beans, and each year, I cultivate a wide variety of plants from seed at home.

Other interests: Bass player, very keen on playing music from Rock to Big Band.

Current Responsibilities

  • My responsibilities at D.T. Brown is sourcing and purchasing seed throughout the year, from suppliers around the world. This also involves checking the germination and purity of lots.
  • Visiting trade and garden shows, keeping up with trends in the Horticultural world.
  • Visiting supplier/breeder trials and sites throughout Europe & the UK to look at developments in breeding as well as checking quality of crops/lots.
  • Presenting new varieties for range selection 

Articles By Rachel Cole

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Getting StartedAn allotment plot consisting of rectangular raised beds and gravel paths.

D.T. Brown's Allotment Layout Ideas: How to Plan and Start Your First Plot

Whether you’re about to get started with a new allotment and are looking for a beginner’s allotment plan, or you just want to change the layout of your existing one, making a plan is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything crucial. Below, we outline why a plan is necessary and explain the various things you should include when learning how to start and plan an allotment.

Oct 7, 2025
How to Grow Broccoli

How to Grow Broccoli

If you’re eager to try growing broccoli out for yourself, the simple process makes these vegetables a very worthwhile addition to your growing space. Read our complete guide on how to grow broccoli and calabrese to get started!

Feb 5, 2025
How to Grow Cauliflower

How to Grow Cauliflower

Growing your own cauliflowers allows you to try out many different flavours and colours from different cultivars that are vastly superior to shop-bought heads. Though commonly associated with the colour white, you can in fact grow these vegetable seeds and vegetable plants in vibrant purples, greens, and oranges too. They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants, making for a delicious and nutritious addition to your plate.

Feb 4, 2025