Focus on... Asparagus

This gourmet crop is easier to grow than you might think - all you need is patience. Lucy explains how to cultivate plump and tender asparagus spears on your plot

- Lucy Chamberlain,

A SPARAGUS is a perennial veg that is often referred to as 'gourmet' and 'luxury' thanks to its specific season and time from starting off to cropping but everyone can afford a patch of asparagus on their plot! Let's look at less costly growing methods, plus some growing techniques that guarantee luxury for all.

Time is on your side

Don't let the time needed to wait before your first cut put you off: just get on with it! Once started, a well-tended bed can last for 20 years. You've got two propagation options: open-pollinated or more modern all-male F1 varieties (see page 20). Open-pollinated seed (less vigorous than F1 hybrids, so cheaper) sown direct needs at least three years to bulk up; one-year-old crowns two years; and F1 hybrid modular plants somewhere in between. The additional benefit of all-male plants is these beds often have more longevity.

Once you reach the harvest point, cut for six weeks only (in subsequent years, you can harvest for the full eight weeks). Daily cuts are required on hot days because spears can grow 1in (2.5cm) a day. It's crucial to stop after eight weeks; mark the date on your calendar with a sad face. This way, you ensure crowns have time to build up strength and food reserves for next year's harvest. Distorted young spears can be caused by slugs or frost damage. Cut them out, and new ones will quickly be produced. 

Tackling pests

Asparagus's nemesis is the asparagus beetle. The brightly coloured adults can build up in numbers; the easiest way to control them is with your finger and thumb. Other than that, follow the tips on these pages and you won't go far wrong.

Lucy's corner

Best ways to raise your asparagus