[Bodmass]

Got my plot this month & a couple of neighbours I've talked to have been particularly keen to point out that I have Asparagas in one corner of my plot.  My first intention was to just dig it out, but after reflecting on my neighbours comments and reading here, maybe I should keep it after all.  Seems a big deal to some (think I've tried it once & didn't like it).

So if I keep it, what's to be done with the area around it?

It's located where I planned to put a strawberry patch, but that's moveable.  What can I plant around it so as not to lose that corner of my plot completely? How much space does each mature plant need around it & what can/can't I plant in its vicinity?  Do I need to pay it any attention at this time of year other than trimming back the tall foliage (as the guide here recommends)?

Thanks.

[JayG]

It depends on the spacing of the plants and how mature they are, which you should be able to guage from the spread of the ferns (which should be allowed to die off to at least a yellow colour before cutting almost to the ground.)

After about 7 years most, but not all, of mine are up to about 3' across (some are younger than others), but I don't think the roots spread out much further and wider than that, which you probably think is just as well!

Bearing all that in mind, you may have a gap down the middle if they were planted in rows, or space outside the 3' diameter potentially taken up by each plant - if growing close to them I think it makes sense to only grow shallow-rooted plants like salad crops, remembering of course that the ferns will create a lot of shade from about July onwards.

Hope the taste grows on you if you decide to keep them! 

[Bodmass]

Cheers JayG,

Using that patch as an area to grow whatever mixed continental salad leaf I end up buying should work.

I haven't really inspected the are yet (indeed I'm dumping weeds there at the moment).  I'll have a proper look this weekend, see how many there are & where exactly (might only be 1).

I might be back with photos for more advice after the weekend though 

[Trillium]

If you find you still don't like asparagus (can't imagine that, in all honesty), then use the cut spears to trade with other plotters for things they have that you want and don't have.

You just might find that fresh homegrown asparagus is very tasty after all.

[Bodmass]

If you find you still don't like asparagus (can't imagine that, in all honesty), then use the cut spears to trade with other plotters for things they have that you want and don't have.

You just might find that fresh homegrown asparagus is very tasty after all.

Now that's a plan   

I'm going to be short on stuff to trade for a year or two (no seed etc to swap) & you just might have solved my problem. I also have well established rhubarb on my plot that I've only a little bit more interest in. You've sold me on keeping all of those stumps in for the same reason.  Cheers!

[lmpd]

I'm sure that when you've tried it in the past, it will have been overcooked. Just steam it for three minutes then shave a little parmesan over it.........heavenly!!!!