Prior to the development of the town, the agriculture of Stevenage was mainly arable. There were also grazing meadows behind and to the west of the High Street, with cattle still being grazed behind the White Lion Public House on the site of Ivel Road, and on the site of Woolners Way until the 1960’s. Damp meadows also existed at Bedwell Plash and on the site of the Town Centre, and at Symonds Green.

Stevenage’s principle Farms in 1937 were, Mobbsbury, Norton Green, Broomin Green, Broom Barns, Trinity Farm, Trotts Hill, Half Hide, Stebbing, Fairview, Stevenagebury, Lodge and Boxfield Farms. The arable fields were generally small compared to the, ”prairie” type fields which now surround the town, and were enclosed with mature hedgerows, fragments of which still exist. 

The agriculture at present around Aston is mainly arable with a few grazing meadows. At Aston End there are Horse stables and paddocks. 

As land was taken out of agricultural production prior to development for the new town, it was often left fallow for several years which, for a short time, attracted greater numbers and variety of Birds. 

In addition to farming Vegetable and Horticulture Nurseries also existed at Symonds Green, Six Hills and the Hertford Road. Prior to the Second World War Watercress was also cultivated at Symonds Green in the marshy land on the site of Bude Crescent.