About Us
P R Bones & Son was established in 1954 by Percy Reginald Bones, originally operating in the Faversham area before moving to Buddles Farm in 1963. The farm is situated between Broadstairs and Margate on the Isle of Thanet, where it has remained ever since.
The business has been run by the Bones family for over 70 years, passing through three generations. Today, members of the fourth generation are already actively involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, continuing the family tradition.
In its early years, the farm produced a wide range of vegetables and top fruit, and also kept 13,000 hens for egg production. As the business developed, the focus shifted to more specialised crops.
Today, the farm is known for its high-quality cauliflower, Romanesco, and a range of niche and new cauliflower varieties. Alongside this, we grow spring wheat and field beans under seed contracts, supplying the agricultural sector with reliable, certified seed crops.
Each autumn, we also grow pumpkins for Halloween, which are enjoyed by families visiting our seasonal Pumpkin Barn.
The Soil & Climate
Thanet is known for having some of the finest soil in Britain for vegetable growing, and P R Bones & Son is fortunate to farm on both Grade 1 and Grade 2 land. The soil lies over a chalk bedrock, resulting in a free-draining, lime-rich, loamy structure—ideal for growing high-quality cauliflower.
The farm’s location, surrounded by the coast on three sides, provides a distinct maritime climate. While weather conditions can be unpredictable, the climate generally remains milder in winter compared to inland areas, reducing the risk of frost damage. In summer, during the six-week cauliflower planting season, coastal temperatures tend to be cooler, helping to minimise plant losses due to heat stress or drought.
These natural advantages—combined with decades of experience—help the farm consistently produce reliable, top-grade crops.
