Asparagus for lunch

I would just like to share with you all that today I had my first asparagus spear from my allotment. I put the crowns in last year so I'm not sure if I should really be eating them this year but I couldn't resist, and I have several more spears just starting to poke their heads up.
It was delicious.

 

Yup, you shouldn't cut them the first year after planting as it will severely weaken the plants :(

But its a good idea to test them to make sure you weren't sold duff crowns

 

I planted 20 very well developed crowns last year: did all the right things (trench, ridge, spread roots etc). Not a sausage. All rotted or were eaten by some evil predator.
Delight in your achievement and enjoy a few of the first fruits, but don't stress them too much in the first year.