In late April, when winter has waned, the asparagus season will be tantalisingly close. Taste buds across the country will be waiting in eager anticipation of the annual feast. But some asparagus aficionados may have limited understanding of how their flavour-packed spears arrive on their plates.

British asparagus is the best, tastiest and most nutritious available, however, few people currently grow asparagus despite the current national obsession with grow your own. Imagine the satisfaction of serving a sumptuous dish of home-grown asparagus to friends or family.

The question is, why don’t we grow our own asparagus?  Perhaps it’s because asparagus growing commands respect and is a labour of love. Investment of time and patience is required, combined with the acceptance of a high quality but low yield - this is precisely why it’s not the cheapest vegetable to buy in the shops. But the results and rewards paid back by this delicious vegetable are hugely satisfying on arrival in the kitchen, ready to be popped in to a host of divine dishes.

You don’t need acres of land or huge experience to grow asparagus, just a genuine passion for the plant, commitment, a few essential items and this step-by-step ‘how to grow guide’ written by our very own asparagus growers.

Click below to download your Handy Growing Guide.