An indoor plant company which helps chefs grow ingredients in the kitchen has received nearly £270,000 after a crowdfunding venture.

Evogro, based in East Malling Research Centre, uses technology like LED lighting and video monitoring to grow microgreens, salad leaves and herbs in cabinets where there is no natural light.

Its products are already used by the Ritz, Claridges and the Michelin-starred West House in Biddenden.

It launched a bid to raise £250,000 on crowdfunding site Crowdcube last month and has smashed its target 10 days before its deadline, attracting more than 180 investors.

The company was founded by experienced technology entrepreneur and keen gardener Jason Hirst, who is its managing director.

Jason and technology director Paul Adams started research and development around three years ago before producing a prototype.

It aims to conquer the professional catering market before expanding internationally and, in time, to consumers.

They appear to be on to a winner after their chefs’ cabinets caused considerable interest when they were launched at last year’s Restaurant Show.

Paul said: “Our product is much more about technology than horticulture. We supply the customer with seeds and we control the whole growing cycle.

“The big advantage is that the plants are growing in ideal conditions and grow throughout the year, not the usual four or five month growing period in the UK.”