[pushrod]

Never grown this before and my plants are now producing thick stems for harvesting. Books say you should cut them 2 or 3 inches below ground - are you likely to damage the stems that haven't yet broken the surface? Any tips on cutting?

[Trillium]

We just use a long bladed sharp knife and cut the stalk an inch or so below the surface, taking care to slice just the stalk rather than a wide swath. So far we haven't noticed any damage to other stalks that emerge.

[Kristen]

"Never grown this before and my plants are now producing thick stems for harvesting."

Are they newly planted? My gardening book says not to cut any in the first year, and only lightly in the second year

[pushrod]

Thanks Trillium

Are they newly planted? My gardening book says not to cut any in the first year, and only lightly in the second year

No well established - just first year  of harvesting properly.

[Kristen]

No well established - just first year  of harvesting properly.

I'm jealous! Enjoy

[Stripey_cat]

You slip the knife-blade down next to the shoot, and slice it carefully.  You can buy asparagus knives with a bent tip to make this easier.  Don't try to improvise one with a kitchen knife as the blade is too brittle and will snap, not bend, but you can bend a stray table knife and then put an edge on it (you'll have to work to keep it sharp, though).

[Babstreefern]

I swapped plots in November and I've now got two asparagus beds.  Because of this, I specially bought an asparagus knife. 

Its funny though, because I was on the allotment today (lovely weather), and walking past the asparagus bed I just glanced in and thought I'll have to take out the few weeds, and gave a shout of joy, I've got 6 asparagus coming through.  Do I start cutting now, or is there a set procedure for these things, but I really can't wait to taste my first cutting.  I absolutely adore asparagus.

[shaun]

noticed mine was just starting to pop up today 

[Trillium]

Babs, it depends on the age of the asparagus whether or not to cut yet. anything under 3 yrs old should be left to gain root strength. At the 3rd year you can cut one or two per plant, then the next year is when your harvest is good for cutting. If it's old enough and you've got a bit of size (eg 4" -10cm) you could cut but waiting 3 more days will give you a nice sized cutting.

[DD.]

noticed mine was just starting to pop up today