Anyone growing Asparagus?

[Driftwood999]

Would like to share the experience, that's it basically. We were fortunate enough to be given some crowns ? 2 years old, by friends. We eagerly await the results. Have dug the trench, banked up a ridge etc. Sooo excited. Please share your experience

no experience of growing, but they'll be about 3 years old before you get a decent crop (you migth get a couple of spikes this year).

there's nothing more lovely than a freshly harvested asparagus. (the gardener on the estate i used to live on grows them and they're yummy justsnapped off)

and don't be afraid to let them go to fern at the end of the season - it helps them get the most of the goodness to grow again the next year.

Oooh - I've just planted some crowns too! Have had them before at a previous house long time ago - but have just moved to a new house with room for a veg patch yipee! Reallu looking forward to eating fresh asparagus but will have to wait - as nickel says you'll have to wait till next year for picking a good crop. You will need to pick regularly - couple times a week or more as they grow really quickly but then you have to stop June time and let them grow the ferns.
Also look out for asparagus beetle - the grubs are v yucky - I used to go out and pick them all off the ferns - bleugh!

Thanks nickelbabysnatcher and cuppateaplease. It is so much fun! Apparently we can pick one from each plant this year (a feast of 8!) and then as you say leave them to go to fern. Didn't know about the grubs, I'll look them up in my pest book...