Asparagus is a long-term perennial crop so will take up space on the plot for many years but that is the beauty of it and if you have room and love the flavour of asparagus, then it is one to make space for.
HOW TO GROW
Asparagus can be grown from seed but it will take years to reach a size that will produce a sizeable crop and there may be female plants among the seedlings. All-male plants produce the best spears. The quickest way to start off asparagus is with one- or two-year-old crowns. These are fleshy, spidery-looking roots that are sold by specialist nurseries or seed merchants. Ideally, plan to plant these in March or early April, which is the optimum time. If you are quick you can order some now after reading this feature. Check out our great offer for asparagus crowns in this issue on page 44.
PREPARING THE SOIL
This is important because the crop will be growing in one spot for many years. Choose a sunny spot, although a little shade during the day will be fine. Dig over the soil to prepare the bed. Remove as many weeds and weed roots as you can. You could dig in some farmyard manure or garden compost at this point to improve the soil further.
Dig a trench about 30cm (1ft) wide and 20cm (8in) deep. Using garden compost or manure mixed with soil, make a ridge of soil along the base of the trench.
PLACE THE CROWNS
Esta historia es de la edición March 2022 de Kitchen Garden.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 2022 de Kitchen Garden.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
PICK STRAWBERRIES - FOR HOME-GROWN FLAVOUR
When it comes to getting value for money and the best flavour, strawberries are hard to beat, says fruit expert David Patch
A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE!
This month Hannah Reid shares her experience of redesigning a garden for those with a range of disabilities and how it has benefited them
ROOM TO GROW
We meet Rhiannon Alcock from Devon, whose plot provides a place to relax and learn. It also inspired a wonderful community project growing produce for local food banks
Just how much food?
Top organic gardening influencer Huw Richards explains how to maximise the pickings from growing spaces big and small
PREDATORS ON YOUR PLOT
Garden Organic's Anton Rosenfeld explores the range of beneficial predators that you can encourage into your garden, keeping pests at bay
GIVE THEM A HELPING HAND
Some of our most popular crops come from much warmer climes and need a little extra TLC before being exposed to the UK's changeable conditions. Editor Steve Ott offers some top tips to help get them off to a great start
Digging for tomorrow
Encouragement to grow your own is being passed on to the next generation, as Sally Clifford discovered when she visited a former Dig for Victory site in the historic city of York
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN GARDEN
Become a gin genius by growing your own key ingredients. Becky Searle shows you how
KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Maincrop roots are a staple of autumn and, with care, should last well into winter too. Don't miss your opportunity to start them! Benedict Vanheems shares his tips to keep the larder stocked with nourishing, home-grown roots
SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER
This month 'squashbuckler' Rob Smith takes a look at winter squash varieties - old, new, coming soon and something different with advice on sowing, growing, harvesting and storing
