Soil is rising up the agenda thanks to its role as a carbon sink and veg box company Riverford has taken it one step further with the launch of its new organic soil boxes.

Responding to calls from customers, Riverford will sell organic soil boxes alongside its offering of seasonal organic fruit and veg, delivering straight to customers at a price of £34.95.

As well as being nutrient dense and created by expert pedologists, the new ‘Soil Box’ will come in different sizes and colours, and can be added to vegetables as well as flower beds, or used for home composting.

The company said the soil, taken straight from its farm in south Devon, contains 20 per cent more organic matter than conventionally-farmed soil and is likely to supercharge home gardens and veg patches.

It comes as consumer interest and demand for soil on their vegetables has skyrocketed over the past few months, prompting supermarket Tesco to make headlines recently with the news it is selling unwashed potatoes.

“It started when customers asked for more soil on their veg, but we’re really pleased to have been able to go one step further and create a box dedicated to organic soil and with multiple uses,” said Sally Odia, Riverford’s head pedologist.

“We’ve been able to develop the product to our high organic standards, which will have multiple benefits to customers home composting and veg growing activities and can also be added to vegetables for an additional dose of vitamins and minerals and a longer storage life,” added Odia.

Riverford harvest manager, Ed Scott said: “We take our soil very seriously. We have been cultivating our unique and highly nutritious Devonshire soil for over 35 years. It’s rich, fertile, 100 per cent organic and without it, none of what we do would be possible”

“We are proud to be able to offer individual boxes of our freshly dug soil alongside our existing range, it means our customers can now enjoy more than just great veg, but the soil in which it is grown. “

More info about the new Riverford Organic Soil Box can be found here.