In a recent episode of Countryfile, presenter Adam Henson ventured to the Vale of Evesham, a region famed for its asparagus production, to explore the intricate process behind this prized vegetable.
Joining farm manager John Sampson, Adam learned about the specialized techniques involved in cultivating asparagus. John highlighted 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.”
When Adam attempted to harvest asparagus alongside the experienced team, it quickly became clear that matching their skill and pace was no easy feat. Chuckling as he sliced through a spear, Adam admitted, “Quite a lot of pressure! It’s hard, isn’t it?” John gently teased him, remarking, “Yeah, it is, and you’ll also notice we’re slacking behind the rest of the team, Adam.” Adam wryly responded, “Oh yeah! That was a polite way of saying get your derriere in gear.”
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The episode then shifted to the planting phase, where Adam observed fields preparing for harvests spanning the next 12 years. John revealed that each asparagus crown costs 40p, accumulating to roughly £10,000 per hectare—highlighting the significant financial stakes involved in getting the planting right.
Climbing aboard a tractor, Adam assisted with inserting crowns into the soil using precise machinery. John instructed him carefully, emphasizing the need to maintain speed without error: “There’s only so slow we can go, so you’re just going to have to keep up.” With a laugh, Adam responded, “If I scream, you’re just going to have to stop!”
As they progressed, Adam stressed the intense concentration required to avoid costly mistakes. John noted that they had slowed down to accommodate Adam but teased about increasing speed to test his skill. Rising to the challenge, Adam soon gained confidence and requested to pick up the pace.
Throughout the experience, Adam expressed newfound respect 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 reflected. “It makes me appreciate it and have a better understanding of where this delicious vegetable comes from.”