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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

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.

Thanks for the info.

Can they cope with heavy soil?

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.

thank you.

anyone recommend a supplier?

cheers

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.

have a read of this
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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.

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...

ALDI have asparagus crowns for sale today for £1.99

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

Think I'll call in ...thanks

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

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