DEAR JESSICA: I planted this asparagus four years ago. Is it ready to be picked now, or should I wait? _ Diane Frenger, West Babylon, N.Y.
DEAR DIANE: Asparagus should be harvested beginning in its third year, when stalks are 6 to 10 inches tall. So, yes, you can do that now, but some of your stalks appear overgrown (and allowing those that have grown taller than 10 inches to remain in the soil will enhance future harvests).
Use a sharp knife to cut each slightly below the soil line, but take care not to damage emerging stalks. You can continue to cut them until July 1, when you should stop so plants can develop a stronger root system and store energy for next year.
