Our Growers

Matthew Hayward, Peas

Matthew Hayward, our self confessed pea anorak He’s been known to visit pea farms on holiday in far flung parts of the world! Matthew plots complex charts & timings of when to sow and when to harvest - depending on climatic conditions and the lie of the land.

Harvesting peas is an art - and one that’s timed to perfection. We test the tenderness by using a Tenderometer - a miracle of American ingenuity that’s been with the growers since the 1950’s. This indispensable bit of farming kit reliably tells us when the peas are at perfection.

Mark Headley, Carrots and Parsnips

In terms of food miles, Mark’s farm couldn’t be any closer, he farms about 400 acres of root vegetables in Skipwith, just 3 miles from Hartley’s. The Headley’s have been farming for 75 years and Mark is a 3rd generation farmer.

They grow a number of varieties of root crops, mainly Nairobi carrots and Picador parsnips - which are noteworthy for their whiteness of flesh and sweet, nutty flavor.

Rodger Hobson, Carrots

The Hobson Family have been growing carrots on at Naburn Hill Farm for well over 100 years. The sandy soil in the Vale of York provides perfect growing conditions for carrots, and the Hobsons grow an impressive 25 thousand tonnes of carrots a year! They lift carrots year round and can offer a fresh supply of carrots 365 days a year as they keep winter carrots protected under straw in cold weather.

Ben Sykes, Potatoes

Ben is the third generation of the Sykes family to grow potatoes at their large farm in Tadcaster, Yorkshire. He farms both livestock and arable crops, and grows the firm and versatile Nadine variety of spuds for Hartley’s. Ben hosts open farm days for the local public keen to see what growing is all about, and gives students the opportunity to learn more about farming with guided tours. He’s even a "potato ambassador" - promoting the humble spud across Britain.

Peter Richardson and kids Jake and Victoria, Organic root crops

Over ten years ago Peter Richardson took a commercial decision to switch his mixed conventional farm over to organic methods. He now grows potatoes, parsnips, courgettes, broccoli, purple sprouting broccoli , cabbages, asparagus, beetroot, chard, broad beans, runner beans, French beans, garlic and leeks across 500 acres.

It’s a big operation and at times employs 30 people - including the 4th generation of Richardson farmers, Peter’s son and daughter, Jake & Victoria.

Clive Martin, Organic Squash

View Their Products