People who attend Thistles are taught how to sow seeds, prick out seedlings and plant out. They learn about the different varieties and germination times of plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables and how to harvest crops. This teaching is done through hands-on, practical work-related experience (on the land and in the polytunnels) and by learning in a relaxed classroom environment.

The group are given the opportunity to be supported on a trip into Boston town centre, where they can choose the seeds they want to grow at Thistles.

All the people we support play a part in the running of the market garden, which enhances the concept of teamwork. Everyone has the opportunity to grow, prepare and sell the produce from seed to sale. This entails preparing bedding plants and hanging baskets and meeting and greeting members of the public who come in to buy the produce grown by the people we support.