The Stockbridge site (formerly a MAFF, then DEFRA horticultural research and development station) has a long tradition of growing horticultural crops, especially vegetable and salad crops, since the 1950s. The sandy loam is well suited to growing high yielding crops with irrigation used to maintain growth during dry weather. Traditionally brassica crops have dominated the rotation but lettuce, leeks and root crops have featured more recently in response to our clients. Off-centre sites are used for selected crops particularly if different geographical areas or when soil types are required.
Stockbridge has a long association with the Humberside Protected crop industry. Significant investment over the past 15 years has enabled the site to retain credibility with glasshouse growers. Stockbridge has traditionally been involved in developing blueprints for commercial production of tomatoes, cucumbers and chilli peppers. Pioneering work was undertaken to identify optimal temperature and carbon dioxide enrichment regimes to enable UK growers to maximise yield and quality.
The site is well known for its involvement with rhubarb production and was involved in a range of trials in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s. A high proportion of the UK’s specialist growers of rhubarb are located within 20 miles of Stockbridge. Many of the varieties were selected at Stockbridge including Stockbridge Arrow and Stockbridge Guardsman. Cawood Delight is named after the local village. STC still hosts a ‘museum’ of over 80 varieties of plants.
Forced Rhubarb. Stockbridge was involved in the development of new varieties.
Computer-controlled, replicated glasshouse units at STC.
