A former royal gardener has shared insights into King Charles’s specific preferences for his kitchen garden at Highgrove House. David Pearce, who worked at the estate during the pandemic, revealed the monarch prohibits squash and courgettes from being grown.

Royal Vegetable Preferences

Pearce detailed that the King insisted on carrots being cultivated to a precise size – approximately the thickness of a little finger. He also noted King Charles’s fondness for spinach and crudité carrots. The garden was designed to fulfill the monarch’s individual requests, including dedicated beds for salad and asparagus.

Eco-Friendly Practices

King Charles is known for his forward-thinking environmental practices. Pearce highlighted the cultivation of wildflower meadows instead of traditional lawns and the use of electric pest control in place of chemical sprays.

Pearce's Horticultural Journey

Pearce’s path to Highgrove began with exploring the Hampshire countryside, followed by an apprenticeship at Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight and work at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley garden. He secured a position at Highgrove after graduating during the pandemic, learning directly from the King about his horticultural vision.

Staff Turnover and Concerns

Recent reports indicate that King Charles’s exacting standards may have contributed to a high turnover of gardening staff at Highgrove. An investigation by The Sunday Times revealed that 11 out of 12 team members left between 2022 and 2025, including the head gardener and deputy.

Working Conditions at Highgrove

Concerns were raised about working conditions, including low wages – with some staff allegedly earning minimum wage – and a lack of resources to meet the King’s demands. A grievance filed in late 2023 cited physical injuries and low morale, attributed to being overwhelmed with work and a perceived lack of management support.

King Charles is known for his hands-on approach, regularly patrolling the grounds and providing detailed feedback, often in handwritten notes. While some staff appreciated this involvement, others found it demoralizing.

Highgrove Estate

Highgrove’s gardens, a project close to the King’s heart for 45 years, attract 40,000 visitors annually and are maintained by the King’s Foundation. The estate features notable gardens like the Sundial garden, adorned with the King’s favourite delphiniums, and the Carpet Garden, inspired by Turkish rugs.