Fresh asparagus is almost a delicacy in the U.K. The delicious spears in spring and summer can be pricey in the shops and are well worth growing in our gardens and allotments. Unfortunately it is a waiting game as spears should not be harvested for the first two years. Growing in containers is not often recommended, you will need to give them space in separate beds. Asparagus has the advantage of being a perennial crop, and so can be harvested for many years to come without replanting. The crop is reasonably disease free, and can be harvested at a time when there is little else to harvest.
Planting
Carefully spread the roots of the crowns accross the top of the ridge 30–45cm (12–18in) apart. Further enrich the soil excavated from the trench with compost or well rotted manure and return the soil into the trench, leaving the tips of the crowns just visible above soil level. If you wish to add more rows, space them 45cm (18in) apart and stagger the plants between adjacent rows. Water the beds and add mulch to seal in the water and to help with weed suppression. Continue to water in dry spells.
Harvesting
Plants must be left to establish for two years, allowing them to produce plenty of foliage, in order to establish strong plants. From the third year onwards harvest the spears 2.5cm (1in) below soil level with a sharp knife in mid April. Continue to harvest for six weeks. Do the same in following years, but harvesting can be carried out for a period of eight weeks. Harvest every two to three days, especially in warmer periods, when the spears are up to 18cm (7in) tall or less. Stop harvesting after this period so plants can build up energy for the following year. Prune off the foliage in autumn once it has yellowed to avoid the wind tugging up the roots. Earlier and later varieties can be chosen from the catalogues for continuation of cropping.
Top Tips
- After harvesting it is a good time to apply a general fertiliser to feed the crop.
- Eat the asparagus as soon as possible to enjoy the best flavour, although it can be refrigerated for a short time.
- Asparagus beetle is best treated by picking off larvae or beetles and burning old stems at the end of the season to kill any beetles that may overwinter.
- Unfortunately if you experience violet crown rot, borne in the soil, you are advised to dig up rotten crowns and burn them. Do not replant asparagus in this position.
- Use your favourite slug repellent methods to avoid damage to the spears.
Mark Snelling
All images copyright
If you have enjoyed reading our blog post then why not fill in the form provided to allow us to send you our blog posts and newsletters by email. For all major gardening products, visit our shop from the menu above.
