Out of season right now. The next sowing window opens in March.
Growing Calendar
This month: Oct
Plan ahead for this crop
- •Check growing conditions
- •Prepare for next stage
Watch Out For
Asparagus beetle strips foliage and scars spears. Check plants from May onwards and remove adults, larvae and eggs by hand
Weeds compete hard with shallow asparagus roots and are difficult to remove once a bed is established, so keep the bed clear from the very first year
Cutting spears too early or for too long each year weakens the crowns permanently. Stick to the two-year wait and the mid-June cutoff
Common Questions
About growing Asparagus in the UK
Why can't I cut asparagus in the first two years?
Spears cut in the first two years take energy the crown needs to build a strong root system. Skipping the harvest for two full seasons means a much more productive bed for the following two decades.
When should I stop cutting asparagus spears?
Stop harvesting by mid-June even in a full cropping year. Let the remaining spears grow into tall, ferny foliage, which feeds the crowns for next year's harvest.
Why are my asparagus spears thin?
Thin spears usually mean the crowns are still young, overcrowded, or undernourished. Feed with a general fertiliser in spring, keep the bed weed-free, and be patient: spears thicken as the crowns mature over several years.
Can I grow asparagus in a raised bed or container?
A deep raised bed works well, but standard containers are usually too shallow for the root system. Asparagus needs at least 30–40cm depth and a permanent position it won't need to be moved from.
Written from real growing experience, organic methods only. Our story · Our approach
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