Description
Having your own asparagus in your garden is an appealing thought for many people. Asparagus officinalis is the most commonly eaten asparagus. Only young shoots can be eaten in spring. They taste very woody once the buds have opened up, so older asparagus is not really edible.
Asparagus officinalis comes in two varieties: green and white. Green asparagus are the normal asparagus that grow above the ground. White asparagus are grown underneath an extra layer of soil, blocking any sunlight (and with that, photosynthesis), causing the plant to stay white. White asparagus are believed to be more tender, as well as being less bitter. Freshness is more important for white asparagus and thus the bottom has to be cut off before eating.
Asparagus and tomatoes grow very well together. The asparagus blocks nematodes, while the tomato prevents any asparagus beetles from coming near.