Rich in Vitamins, iron and calcium, Asparagus is one of the crops harvested in spring, and which is mostly grown for its delicious shoots. Spears fresh-picked from the garden are tender and tasty than those bought in stores. Thanks to its nutritional value, this perennial vegetable has remained one of the favorites in many homes. However, not many people know the best way of growing Asparagus for better returns.
Where To Grow Asparagus
Asparagus thrives and grows well in any area that has dry seasons or where soil freezes, particularly in winter. The crop does not grow well in hot and humid climates. As for planting, one needs to select and prepare their garden with care. This is because the crop will occupy the same spot for a period of not less than twenty years. While it does not tolerate some shade, Asparagus tends to prefer full sun as this helps it with disease control. On the same breath, the plant does better in lighter soils that drain up quickly and drain well.
To begin, you need to prepare a four feet wide planting bed by removing all weeds and roots. Next, you need to dig in compost or manure. For weed control, you may consider mulching, which also has an added advantage of enriching the soil.
Asparagus can be grown
from seeds of one-year-old crowns. The plant is either male of female. Because they do not have to spend energy in production, male crowns are more productive than female ones. Planting asparagus begins by digging trenches that are twelve inches wide and six inches deep. Before planting, it is advisable to soak the crowns for at least twenty minutes in compost tea. Next, you need to set the roots 16 inches apart and cover with no more than 2 inch soil. As it grows, you need to cover it with soil until the trenches are fully covered, leaving only the shoots uncovered. Two weeks later, you need to add soil periodically until the plant is fully settled.
Weed Control in The Asparagus Patch
To keep weeds under control, you need to mulch or cultivate shallowly. The plant works hard and needs to be fed at least twice a year. In the early days of spring preferably when the crowns are still dominant, use a well balanced fertilizer to sprinkle around the crowns. The fertilizer should be sprinkled six inches from the crown and in all directions. You also need to keep watering the garden all season long, especially when the spears are forming.
While it takes some patience to start your asparagus from seed, the benefits outweigh the challenges. They do not suffer from transplant trauma and are more productive than those started from roots. Besides that, it also allows you to discard female plants to plant an all-male bed.
Planting Asparagus In A Raised Bed – Video
Just like any other perennial plant, Asparagus also faces serious problems from pests and diseases, two things that may hinder its productivity. One of the biggest challenges is Asparagus rust, which is very common in damp locations. However, this problem can be put at bay by using rust-resistance cultivators. Asparagus beetles is another challenge. They usually feed on Asparagus spears in spring and attack foliage in summer. Handpicking, spraying or dusting the infested plants with insecticidal soap can help.
It is not recommended harvesting any spears during the first two years. This is mainly because during this period, they need to put their energy in establishing deeper roots. Harvesting should begin on the third season, and should be done over a four-week period. By the fourth year, you can extend your harvesting to eight weeks. While harvesting, you should use a sharp knife or your hands by snapping off the spears at ground level.
