Spears of delight

I love Asparagus.  I had always wanted to grow it and so we planted it here at Ordnance House in late 2011 in a raised bed atop of our chalky, free draining soil exposed to full sun.  It has thrived.  I confess that the crowns we planted looked alien and strange.  I planted each on a ridge I prepared in rich soil spreading its tenticles very carefully before covering them up, hoping for the best.  In 2012 we let it establish, havesting none.  In 2013 a tiny crop was taken early in the season.  In 2014, we had an abundant harvest.  So much so I was giving it away in large bunches.

There is a thrill to see the first spears appear in April and we then harvest it until June.  It requires very little work.  Once we arrive at the end of June, we let it go to seed before cutting it all down once its frothy fine leaves yellow in Autumn.  Then we simply give it a really thick rich mulch and leave it to face Winter under its warm and protective duvet.

I am told it is a long lived crop and harvests can be taken over many years.  I do hope so and will look forward to enyoying it this year, next year and far beyond.  

If you have room and the conditions to grow it (free draining and sunny would be my rule of thumb) then do so.  It is a rich, abundent and rewarding harvest.  It is also, of course, delicious too!