Asparagus are true perennials and are almost everlasting in the garden with established beds, lasting at least twenty years and more.

Select a sunny permanent position and be sure all couch, grass, roots, and oxalis etc are completely removed. The bed should be raised 10-12cm above the surrounding garden to ensure good drainage. If available, work into the ground compost, stable or fowl manure, or a good dressing of blood and bone fertilizer.

To plant the crowns, open up a 15 cm wide trench 7-8 cm deep and place crowns 45 cm apart with roots spread out in star fashion. The soil should then be replaced covering the crowns, and keep rows 60-80 cm apart.

In the first year cut spears for 2 weeks only – then allow plants to go to fern. Each year the cutting period can be extended until plants have become fully established. Usually the cutting ceases in early December when plants are then allowed to run to fern. In Autumn remove all fern when it has completely yellowed off.