Asparagus
A fantastic perennial crop, which once planted can be picked for years to come. Asparagus has beautifully flavoured spears that compliment a number of dishes and its fern like foliage is a sight to behold in the garden.
How to grow
By following a few simple rules you can grow asparagus very easily.
Position
Plant your crowns in an area that will receive full sun, this way you can ensure that soil will warm up quickly in spring, plants will receive maximum light and cropping will be at its best. You can grow asparagus in part shade but you will have a smaller harvest.
Soil
Asparagus like to be grown in good quality soil that drains well but retains some water. Dig over the area to remove stones and weeds. To improve drainage incorporate horticultural grit and good
multi-purpose compost.
Care
In early Spring feed your plants with a well balanced
general fertiliser and repeat this process again in the Autumn. General weeding should be done by hand throughout the year. Weeding with a hoe is not advised as you may damage the crowns. Water regularly and check for pests and disease. You may wish to mulch the area and this will help to reduce weed growth and retain water.
Harvesting
After planting do not harvest for two years, this is important as crowns need to establish well and this will improve cropping in subsequent years. Asparagus spears are best harvested when they reach about 15cm (6”) in height. Cut stems 2.5cm (1”) just below the soil surface. Harvest plants for eight weeks after the first spear emerges and then stop harvesting to allow the plants to recover.
Top Tip
Support plants with a stake and string arrangement. Place stakes along side plant rows with two or three lines of string running horizontally to ensure stems don’t snap in the wind.