Topic: Asparagus

[rutters]

Just back from B&Q and saw Asparagus crowns for sale (think it was 3 crowns for £7) Anyway could anyone tell me what size space I'd need to make it worth doing?

I know they need to be left on their own and I do have 2 metre square raised beds spare.  How many crowns would I need? How many spears do you get per crown?

Also, where's best to buy them from?

cheers

[jennym]

My asparagus are spaced 40 - 60cm apart, roughly. The number of spears you get depends on the variety. You could probably squash in 9 crowns on your bed, it would be very filled though. Have a good look at them before you buy, Check that the roots aren't dried out, and the crowqns are very firm. The price of £7 doesn't seem that good to me, you would have some crops to pick in 2-3 years. I used seed, maybe had to wait 3 years before decent crops, a packet may cost you £2 - £3 I don't know now, but consider that, cos IMHO there's not a lot in it when you compare seed and crowns and the time to good crops.

[rutters]

Thanks for the info.

Can they cope with heavy soil?

[grawrc]

Not really. They need very free draining soil, so you might want to add manure/ compost to lighten the soil and raise its level. If the soil is heavy and cold they'll just rot.

[rutters]

thank you.

anyone recommend a supplier?

cheers

[vegging out]

I highly recommend these, http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/index-1.html .Excellent sized,healthy crowns which have produced very well for me.

[tonybloke]

have a read of this
[attachment=1]

[jennym]

Strongly agree with Grawc on the soil, mine's heavy clay and I really had to work hard to make the bed light enough for asparagus, loads of organic matter, I also dug in some sand, which seemed to help a bit.

[Vinlander]

I put my asparagus straight into heavy London clay soil 10 years ago with no problems at all since - though the bed is at least 1m higher than what flooded last night.

I must say that the yields increased in direct proportion to how much mulch I put on top - especially in terms of the thickness of the spears.

So - good drainage and a very thick mulch will compensate for heavy soil...

[Stevens706]

ALDI have asparagus crowns for sale today for £1.99

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_13065.htm

[rutters]

Think I'll call in ...thanks

[rutters]

Got some from aldi :D

It says there are 4 plants, they look pretty dry and are packed in wood chippings.

What's the best way to store them please?

cheers

[grawrc]

Give them a good drink and get  them planted.
http://vimeo.com/3939735
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basics/techniques/growfruitandveg_growingasparagus1.shtml