Thorogood Asparagus

Our parent company, S. Thorogood & Sons, has been cultivating asparagus at their family farm in Southminster, Essex, for over 25 years drawing on over 50 years of farming experience at their New Moor farm. Originally focused on growing vegetables for London’s fresh produce markets, the Thorogood family shifted to conventional arable farming, but in the late 1980s, Geoff Thorogood and his son Pip began their journey into asparagus cultivation. Today, they supply us alongside, farm shops, delis, restaurants, and farmers markets across Essex and London, including renowned markets in Pimlico, South Kensington, and Alexandra Palace. 

Mark Thorogood, who now manages the farm, has introduced a variety of sustainable practices to boost biodiversity and soil health. By adopting no-till farming for their asparagus beds, the farm minimises soil disturbance, creating a healthier growing environment. The system uses wider rows planted with a mix of clover, grasses, and forbs, which not only attract beneficial insects but also support biodiversity. This plant mix sequesters carbon by developing deep root systems that capture CO2 and store it in the soil. Perennial growth further reduces soil disruption, while clover’s nitrogen-fixing properties enhance soil fertility and plant growth. The farm also utilises electric harvesting platforms, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.