Talkback: Growing asparagus

I have just this year created an asparagus bed myself. I have always loved the taste of the luxurious vegetable but have in the past been put off by how long you have to wait for the "pay off". But they are in now and the wispy fronds are still green at the moment. I suppose 3 years will fly by in no time! I have recently heard that an alternative method of cultivation is to sow seeds on a four-year cycle - 1st year sowing the seed, thinning or planting out. 2nd year no harvest(but keep bed weed free); 3rd year you may take a few shoots; 4th year cut shoots. Another one for the patient gardener but it might be worth a try.

I planted an asparagsu bed 3 years ago (crowns) in a raised bed, this year we had our first tips to eat - delicious! Lots of further growth since, still very green so not yet cut back. I sometimes also use the fronds in with flowers from the garden to add a different texture to display.

I too love asparagus. A word of warning though, after you've eaten some your wee may smell odd, don't call a doctor, it's the asparagus that causes it!

i am growing asparagus from seed which is now 4 to 6 inches tall could do with some good advice on how to look after and when to put out into a bed

I planted asparagus for the first time last year and all six plants are doing well. The instructions were to pick no more than two spears from each plant next year so I am looking forward to that. I agree with Angie W the delicate fronds look so good with sturdy summer flowers - and a little piece behind a pink makes a perfect buttonhole. I believe now is the time to give the bed a mulch of well-rotted manure. I had asparagus in a restaurant the other day and, being out of season it was tough so, like all veg. better to eat it in season, in April, May.