How many times did you get the asparagus not quite right? Particularly with white asparagus this can be tricky. 

However, with an asparagus pot you will be able to steam your asparagus to perfection. 

Which brings us to cooking times. One thing to take into account is the thickness. Asparagus stalks of equal diameter will have the same cooking time. If you have a mix of thin and thick, steam the thick ones for a few minutes before adding the thinner ones. That way they should be done at the same time.

Steaming green asparagus for four to five minutes will do the job; the stalks should still have a bite. 

For thick white asparagus, as shown in the picture, steaming time can run from ten up to twelve or fourteen minutes. After about eight minutes, start probing with the tip of a sharp knife. Repeat every two minutes until you feel the asparagus getting soft enough for your liking.

When done, lift the basket with the asparagus out. Remember that the asparagus keeps cooking slightly because of residual heat inside the stalks.  

An asparagus pot also works great for corn on the cobb, by the way!