Growing Asperagus

Hey, just in time; I bought some bare root asperagus plants to get growing for the yard sale in May. 800 North 1000 east in Orem. Growing Together Yard Sale, every weekend Thursday through Saturday in May except May 16, See you there.


Growing Asparagus

An asparagus patch is typically started with one-year-old
crowns purchased from a garden center or seed catalog. A
crown is the root system of a year-old asparagus plant grown
from seed.

There is conflicting information on how asparagus crowns
should be planted. Traditionally it was recommended to dig
an 8-inch deep trench for the crowns, then carefully spread
out the roots within the trench, refilling it a bit at a
time as the plants grow.

However, recent comparison studies have shown that it isn't
necessary to gradually fill the trench or spread out the
roots. Additionally, the deeper asparagus crowns are
planted, the more the yield will be reduced.

To plant your asparagus crowns in the spring, start by
digging a trench that is 5-6 inches deep. For every 50 feet
of row, add a pound of 0-46-0 triple superphosphate fertilizer
or two pounds of 0-20-0 superphosphate fertilizer to the trench.

Next, toss the crowns into the trench, right on top of the
fertilizer. The plants will grow well whether or not the
roots are spread out. Place the crowns 18 inches apart,
with five feet between rows. This will provide good air
circulation for the plants and help prevent fungal diseases.

Finally, backfill the trench to the original soil level, being
careful to not compact the soil over the crowns. If you have
poorly draining or clay soil, it would be better to plant your
asparagus in a raised bed. You can learn how to create a
raised bed here:
http://freeplants.com/preparing-raised-planting-beds.htm

The asparagus spears cannot be harvested the same year the
crowns were planted. The plants need this time to build their
energy so they can produce well. The following year you may
harvest a small crop over a three-week period, and over a 4-6
week period the year after that. It is the third year after
planting when you can continue to harvest for the full 6-8 week
season. Stop harvesting when new spears become less than a
half inch in diameter.

Once harvesting is done, allow the plants to grow and keep
their fern-like foliage through fall and winter. The foliage
will catch snow that will provide moisture and insulation for
the roots. Cut or mow the foliage in early spring before new
growth begins to emerge.

Have a great week!
-Mike McGroarty

(more personal stuff about Mike and Pam and pictures
of our grandkids)
http://www.freeplants.com/stuff.htm

P.S. The message board is here:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/519353/



McGroarty Enterprises Inc.
P.O. Box 338
Perry, Ohio 44081, USA