How to harvest asparagus?

[anneski]

Well, I inherited this lovely lottie a couple of months back, and now I find I have asparagus growing like crazy! I need to know how to harvest it please? I've heard that I have to cut it below the soil, is this true? And how do I know how old it is, and how many spears I can cut? Or is it just down to taking a chance and hoping they're a couple of years old?

Tis lovely and sunny in Somerset today - and I've got peas sprouting, spuds showing, purple and white sprouting still doing well, great caulis, rhubarb doing well, trees in blossom, leeks still standing - I'm having a great time on the lottie in my first full year  ;D

[anneski]

[tim]

It is the norm to cut a couple of inches under the soil. It ensures that you get the maximum amount of edible stem. And also a 'handle' to hold when eating! But it is not necessary. Some growers just break it off.

If you do cut low down, make sure your knife is actually on the stem you want to cut - & then just give an upward slice. I find a thin serrated knife the bet implement. Be VERY careful not to fiddle around undergroud or you can cause a lot of damage.

Age? - I would have thought that you might guess from how prolific & strong the production is? Better less than more?

[grotbag]

I agree with Tim if not sure on age then dont overdo the cutting,and only cut till 2nd week of june.

[anneski]

Smashing, thanks very much - and thanks for the tip about the knife, I would have taken one completely opposite, now I have just the right one :) 

The stems seem very strong and quite thick, and I'm hoping for a taste of heaven later on this afternoon  ;D

[tim]

DON'T overcook!!

Only till the stems just bend.

And you can peel the white bit to get a bit more tender stuff if you want.

[caroline7758]

Still on asparagus, when I was cutting some yesterday I noticed that quite a few of the shoots coming up are bending at the top. Anyone know what would cause this?

[tim]

They quite often head back under the ground!!
Usually some sort of damage to the stem.

[artichoke]

Those of mine that are bent over have marks of slug damage on one side.

[caroline7758]

Also, do they need protecting from frost? I hear there's a threat tonight.

[jennym]

Haven't ever protected mine from frost, but I suppose you could draw some of the soil over shoots that are just emerging, that should be enough.