Asparagus: Worth the Wait

The first asparagus of the season is always a treat. From bare earth appears the first shoot, at first barely noticeable against the reddish brown soil. Within a few days there is a meal's worth of tender shoots, worth a tidy sum at shop prices. It's one of the signs that spring is in full flow. From St George's Day to the longest day we will be able to cut several times a week.

The key to growing asparagus is initial preparation and patience. Whether you grow from seeds or purchased roots (saves a year) a weed free, crumbly soil is absolutely essential. We followed planting instructions in Joy Larkcom's "Grow your own vegetables" (highly recommended, only £6.99 currently). The following year we took 2 spears, the year after that we had our first proper crop. Cut below the soil, taking all the spears for about 2 months, then give it a mulch with compost or similar and let the foliage grow. Hand weed regularly before the foliage gets tall. Put some sticks and string in to provide a little support if necessary.

Watch out for asparagus beetle (brightly coloured but they still manage to hide). We squash them if they get numerous, as they can weaken the plants.

When the foliage dies down, cut it all off and clear away. In late winter, we hand weed again, break up the soil with a hand fork and apply some general fertiliser.

Submitted by Yvonne, plot 21