Asparagus is a great flavoured luxury, and fortunately not difficult to grow. A single plant can crop for up to 20 years and provide over 10 spears per season, not bad for a days work. The only problem is that we can only harvest in the third year.

Sowing

To grow asparagus, you can use either seed or dormant plants named crowns. Seeds should be sown into modules in February ready to transplant in early June. If you’re using crowns, plant in March or April.

Prepare some loose soil (either by forking or with your hands) and plant the crowns 20cm (8in) deep and 45cm (18in) apart. Leave the bud tips just visible and water well.

Growing

It is important that asparagus beds are kept weed free. Mulching can help prevent weeds and also retains moisture for the plant. If you find any weeds, it is best to remove them by hand, as the asparagus roots are easily damaged.

Use a general fertiliser in early spring and repeat once harvesting has finished.

Remove any female plants (those bearing orange-red berries).

Harvesting

Make sure it is your third year before harvesting. Simply cut individual spears 2.5cm (1in) below the soil when they are under 18cm (7in) tall. You can usually harvest every few days.