Grower guidelines
Leaf Exchange works because people trust that what they collect is what was described, grown by the person they collect it from. These guidelines keep it that way.
What you can list
- Raw fruit, vegetables and herbs you grew yourself, whole or simply trimmed and rinsed.
- Cut flowers you grew.
- Not yet: anything cooked, preserved or processed; eggs; honey; plants, seedlings or seeds. These have extra rules, so we've kept them out for now.
Why we never say "organic"
In the UK, "organic", "organically grown" and "grown using organic methods" can only be used by growers certified by an approved organic control body. That applies to listings, photos captions and even names, so the site won't accept them. You can still say exactly how you grow: "no sprays", "my own compost", "no synthetic fertiliser". Be specific and truthful. Absolute claims like "pesticide-free" need to be completely true.
Pricing and units
- Each and per bunch are only offered for crops UK law allows to be sold that way.
- A bagful of food can't have a set price unless it's weighed on trade-approved scales, so bags are free, a swap, or pay what you think.
- A big box over 5 kg can have a set price (not potatoes).
- Per kg is available if you tell us you have trade-approved (stamped) scales.
- See the pricing guide for more.
Food safety basics
- Pick close to collection time, keep produce cool and out of the sun.
- Use clean containers. Don't pass on anything mouldy, damaged by pests or past its best.
- If you've sprayed anything, respect the harvest interval on the label.
- Selling most weeks? Registering with your council as a food business is free. See the selling guide.
Photos
- Show your own plot, garden and produce. No people's faces without their permission.
- Avoid house numbers, car number plates and street signs. We strip hidden location data from photos, but we can't hide what's in the picture.
Allotments
Most tenancies allow you to share or sell small amounts of surplus, but not to run a business from the plot. Check yours before you list. See selling allotment produce.