OwnGrown

This is growing really well this year and we are cutting a little over a kilo (2 to 3 lbs) a week. Apart from weeding, there is nothing to be done to the bed until late autumn.

Two weeks earlier than usual due to the warm weather we have the first cutting of asparagus. Cut using a sharp knife 1″ beneath the surface. A little over 2 lbs (1 kg) was cut in the first week.

Part of the chicken run was dug out (for more information see the “About” section) and spread on the asparagus bed. This is all the feed needed for the year and you can use whatever manure you want - farmyard manure in bags from garden centres is always available.

Last crop of Asparagus cut on June 21. Now leave them to grow until cutting right back in early winter when the foliage has turned brown. Weed whenever necessary. We have had asparagus for nearly two months - cutting around 1 kg (2+lbs) a week for much of the time and depending on the weather.

Started cutting asparagus end April although quantity very small. Asparagus beds can be established using asparagus crowns planted in early spring, plants in early summer or you can sow seeds in the spring. Plant about 45 cms (18″) apart. The bed should be well dug before planting. The plants should not be cut in the first year and only lightly in the second with full cutting from year three. Asparagus appear in late April and can be cut through to end June. Cut with a sharp knife about 2 cms (1″) below ground. After end June, leave to grow and weed when necessary. Cut back to ground level when all the foliage has turned brown in late Autumn and spread a thick layer of manure / compost or suitable fertiliser over the whole bed in early March.