Asparagus is a gourmet vegetable with a reputation for patience, it takes a few years to establish but can reward you with harvests for decades. Once in, it’s a low-maintenance crop that brings an early taste of spring.
When to Sow
- Plant crowns in March–April.
- Growing from seed is possible but takes longer to establish.
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny, well-drained bed enriched with organic matter.
- Space crowns 30–40cm apart in rows.
- Weed regularly and mulch annually.
- Avoid harvesting for the first two years.
Harvesting
- Start cutting lightly in year three.
- Harvest spears 15–20cm tall with closed tips.
- The main season is April–June.
Polytunnel Growing Tips
- A tunnel gives you earlier spears in spring.
- Protects against late frosts which can damage shoots.
- Ensure good ventilation to prevent fungal disease.
Quick Tips Recap
- Sow/plant: March–April crowns
- Spacing: 30–40cm apart
- Harvest: April–June (from year 3)
- Polytunnel advantage: Earlier crops, frost protection
