How easy is to grow Asparagus

[soph696]

Ok

As my header says "How easy is to grow Asparagus?"I have seen someones blog stating that it took them 4 years to get the perfect batch. I love Asparagus and would love to know how to grow and how hard it is?

Your help would be appricated,

Thanks in advance,
Sophie

[Two_Sheds]

It's not hard at all. Buy some crowns, stick them in the ground, then wait four years until you eat them!

[soph696]

4 years is a very long time. Is there not a type that will crop before then?

THANKS

[Capsid]

You can crop the small spears before the 4 year wait but then you won't maintain a decent sized plant. You need to let the plant establish a big root system by allowing the ferns to grow which provide vital food for plant growth.

[rogesse]

4yrs - I thought it was two- oh

At least this year it is working, little shoots everywhere -unlike last year when itall died

[Demeter]

You can buy older crowns as well, if you buy 2yo or 3yo crowns instead of the usual 1yo crowns then obviously that will get you a quicker crop - but experts seem to recommend 1yo crowns as they transplant better at that age and it gives them longer to get properly established.

Incidentally, I thought the cropping began "in the fourth year" rather than "after four years"? i.e. I sowed in 2008, planted in 2009, will get a taster harvest in 2010 and my first "real" harvest in 2011. Hopefully the experts can clarify (please?!) cos I don't want to have to wait until 2012 unless I really have to!!