NUTS & BOLTS

POSITION Full sun

WHAT TO PLANT? Either seedlings or bare-rooted crowns

WHEN TO PLANT? Spring for seedlings, and winter for crowns

SOIL PREP Add compost or aged manure; the pH should be 6.5

WATER NEEDS Medium

FOOD Apply blood and bone or organic pellets and compost in spring, and again in late summer; apply liquid fertiliser every two weeks when growing

GROWING TIPS Remove any nearby weeds when young to prevent root disturbance

WHEN TO PICK Spring, until spears are thinner than a pencil