Benefits: Very high yield

Sowing time: Spring

Sowing Outside

 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 seeds on top of ridge. Cover with 7cm (3") of soil and firm into their positions.

Sowing Inside

Sow seeds thinly, and lightly cover with a little compost. Place in warmth, and keep moist. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from bright sun. When large enough to handle, transplant individually to 3in pots. If planting outside, gradually acclimitise to outer conditions first.