In a recent episode of Countryfile, presenter Adam Henson visited the Vale of Evesham, a region celebrated for its exceptional asparagus production, to learn about the intricacies of this unique crop.
Guided by farm manager John Sampson, Adam explored the meticulous methods involved in harvesting asparagus. John emphasized the long-term commitment required, explaining, “You only plant it once, and it’s there then for ten years plus, so the pressure to get that right at the start, to choose the right variety, to choose the right site and to get everything right in maybe a tricky spring, there’s a lot of pressure there.”
As Adam joined the harvesting team, it quickly became clear that matching the pace of experienced workers was no easy task. Slicing one of the spears, he remarked with a laugh, “Quite a lot of pressure! It’s hard, isn’t it?” John humorously noted, “Yeah, it is, and you’ll also notice we’re slacking behind the rest of the team, Adam.” Adam replied, “Oh yeah! That was a polite way of saying get your derriere in gear.”
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The episode then shifted to planting, where Adam witnessed the careful process of setting crowns in the soil—a practice that influences harvests for over a decade to come. John revealed that each individual crown costs 40p, resulting in an investment of about £10,000 per hectare, highlighting the financial stakes of precision planting.
Taking the controls alongside John, Adam learned the exact technique for positioning crowns in the tractor’s machinery. John advised, “There’s only so slow we can go, so you’re just going to have to keep up.” Adam joked, “If I scream, you’re just going to have to stop!”
The duo started planting at a moderated pace to help Adam find his rhythm. John teased, “We have actually slowed down at the moment, Adam, just for your benefit. I’m sure Kevin could knock us up a gear just to see how you get on.” Encouraged, Adam soon mastered the process and asked to pick up the speed.
Throughout the hands-on experience, Adam expressed his admiration for asparagus farming. “Although I’m a farmer and I do understand growing crops, this is the first time for me planting asparagus and finding out more about this extraordinary crop,” he said. “It makes me appreciate it and have a better understanding of where this delicious vegetable comes from.”
This episode of Countryfile shed light on the dedication, attention to detail, and hard work essential to cultivating asparagus, deepening viewers’ appreciation for this seasonal delicacy.