Benefits: High yield

Planting time: Spring

Prepare permanent asparagus beds well in advance of receiving your order so that the crowns can be planted without delay. Choose a sheltered position in full sun. Asparagus beds should be richly fertile and well drained. Remove all weeds, and incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the soil to improve soil structure and fertility. On cold, wet soils the addition of sharp sand or grit will help to improve drainage.

Dig long trenches, 20cm (10") deep by 30cm (12") wide, and fill the bottom of the trench with 7cm (3") of well rotted manure or garden compost. Mound up soil on top of the manure to form a ridge along the length of the trench and place the asparagus crowns on top of ridge with their roots draped over the edge of the ridge at a distance of 45cm (18") apart. Cover the crowns with 7cm (3") of soil and firm them into their positions.