[Robster]

I saw my first spears yesterday.  This is due to be my last year before I start harvesting.  I hope all you asparagus eaters enjoy your crop.  I'll be joining you next year

[Annen]

Nothing yet 

[lettice]

Had an appearance this morning!

[Lardman]

My light sandy soil warms up very quickly.  Might have a picking later today, would it be wrong just to chuck them on top of a pizza 

[Jamboian]

Just finished eating an early show, weird thing is we have two small beds, eight crowns in one five in the other, now have one producing in each bed, just hope the others haven't pegged it, ha ha

[ptarmigan]

One spear an inch high. 

[Lardman]

I managed 3 spears which were a bit stringy.

I'm trying really hard to like them as they're supposed to be special but I can't seems to get over the fact they have the same taste / texture as a broccoli stalk 

[Sparkyrog]

I managed 3 spears which were a bit stringy.

I'm trying really hard to like them as they're supposed to be special but I can't seems to get over the fact they have the same taste / texture as a broccoli stalk 

SERIOUS taste bud problems 

[Jamboian]

Lardman! I've avoided broccoli stalks with varying success, but scrape asparagus from the top down with a sharp knife just skinning off the dark green/ purple bit, then keep it in cold water until you're ready to fry it in olive oil salt and black pepper. Keep a fork handy cos you have to eat it straight out of the pan. Cheers Ian

[Salmo]

I managed 3 spears which were a bit stringy.

I'm trying really hard to like them as they're supposed to be special but I can't seems to get over the fact they have the same taste / texture as a broccoli stalk 

Sometimes the first few spikes that have been slow growing can be stringy and bitter. If they have taken a week or more to grow to size cut them and either add them to cooking or bin them. This will encourage more to grow  Once it is warm and spikes grow quickly they are tender and sweet. Some love asparagus, others do not, or are indifferent.

[sunshineband]

Mine are spearing upwards   


Mmmmmmmm

[JayG]

Hadn't noticed any until I got close and personal with this year's spectacular crop of hairy bittercress this afternoon - about half a dozen spears coming through at the moment, one of which I accidentally knocked the top off, so I ate it right there and then! 

[Comfreypatch]

Picked the first ten spears today! Lots more coming up it might be a good year.

[sonnycbr]

I only planted my asparagus crowns a few weeks ago. My question is, what can I expect from them this year? I know I can't cut any spears for a few years, but will they actually produce spears or is the first year spent building up the plant itself? There's nothing showing at the minute.

[Lardman]

You'll get a couple of spears which will turn into ferns, these feed the crown for next year. They're ornamental enough in their own right, with hindsight I wish I'd have planted mine down the fence line rather than in a bed.