I like asparagus. In fact, that's a shame faced lie - I adore asparagus. Last April I planted 300 one year old asparagus crowns (which look rather like undernourished octopus) and I was delighted to have a 100% take, despite the dry summer. I will need all my powers of self-control to wait a further 12 months before I start cutting and consuming, as the experts recommend that newly planted crowns are not cut for the first two years to ensure that they properly establish. Self-control is a virtue, which unfortunately I don't possess, so I have a considerable challenge awaiting me in a few weeks' time. Last year's planting did however have one unfortunate side effect. Although the trenches into which each desiccated octopus is laid to rest, are only 5 inches deep, digging each trench by hand resulted in untold damage to my feeble frame and two sets of tennis (elbow). Multiple trips to the physio have been required. So this year I called upon mechanical assistance to dig next set of trenches. The hard work is now done, with my elbows still intact. The next batch of crowns have arrived and I have started planting.
Update! Near uncontrollable excitement over the weekend caused by the first sighting of this emerging deliciousness.
