Week 3: Asparagus planting time

Asparagus has long been a favourite vegetable
but sadly, in the 20th century, fresh asparagus
was almost replaced by the chartreuse-
coloured canned version. Fortunately, in recent
years, fresh asparagus has been making a
comeback.

Asparagus is grown from what's called a
'crown', a fancy name for the bunch of fleshy
roots. Crowns are sold during the plant's
dormant (winter) period, which is why it's so
important to get them in in the next few weeks.

Planting and growing asparagus is a long-term
commitment. An asparagus clump that's given
a good start and basic care will be capable of
producing for fifteen years or more.

Start by choosing a well-drained, sunny spot in
the garden. And, even though deep digging is
out of fashion, this is one case where the extra
effort will really pay off. Cultivate a long bed to
at least a spade's depth. Mix in some Blood &
Bone and some Thrive All Purpose plant food.
In most areas a sprinkling of lime will also be
helpful.

Dig a planting trench that's goes almost to the
bottom of your pre-prepared asparagus bed
and space the crowns along the base. Spread
each clump over its own little mound of soil, and
cover lightly. Continue to fill in the trench as
the shoots grow. When the trench is full, mulch
with a thick layer of organic matter (e.g.
compost mixed with dried grass clippings).

The asparagus vegetable that we enjoy so
much is actually the new emergent shoots.
They're called, appropriately, 'spears' because
they do, indeed, spear their way out of the
ground. These shouldn't be cut in the first year,
because they need to develop into leaves that
can photosynthesise and feed the plant.
Harvest can begin in the second year but, even
then, it's best to be light-handed. After that
you'll be able to enjoy abundant crops of your
own fresh asparagus year after year.

In the second half of the growing season
always let some fronds develop to store
goodness in the plant. Asparagus dies down
completely in winter (which sometimes worries
first time growers) but it will unfailingly re-
appear each spring. Remove and compost the
dead ferns in autumn and begin feeding in late
winter or early spring with Yates Nitrosol.
Renew the layer of mulch each year.

Asparagus is a good source of Vitamin C and is
said to have cancer-fighting properties. But,
most importantly, it tastes sensational when
freshly picked.

Asparagus can be lightly steamed in the
microwave oven and eaten with a dob of butter
or a sprinkling of salt and pepper. To make a
richer sauce for a special occasion, whisk four
egg yolks, blend in 60g of softened butter and
some grain mustard and serve over warm
asparagus spears.

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