At a Glance
Asparagus , aperennial veggie prizedfor its nutritionary value anddelicate flavor , is a rewarding addition to any garden . Planting asparagus plant is a relatively aboveboard cognitive process , but following the right steps will see asuccessful crop . This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge you need to embark on your edible asparagus - growing adventure .
1. Choosing the Right Location and Soil
Asparagus plant flourish in well - drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 . They ask full sun foroptimal ontogenesis , so choose a location that receives at least six hour of sunshine per daytime . Avoid planting edible asparagus in expanse prostrate to waterlogging , as it can lead to root rot .
2. Preparing the Soil
Before planting , prepare the grunge by removing any skunk , rocks , or debris . Amend the soil with plenty oforganic issue , such as compost or manure , toimprove drainageand prolificacy . Consider deal asoil testto determine the specific nourishing needs of your land and adjust accordingly .
3. Selecting Asparagus Crowns
Asparagus plant aretypically grownfrom tip , which aresmall plantswith a clustering of roots . Choose healthy crowns that are solid and free of any signs of disease or wrong . Look for summit with at least one class of outgrowth .
4. Planting the Asparagus Crowns
labour atrench approximately6 inch deep and 12 inches broad . Space the crowns 12 - 18 inches aside along the trench . invest the crest in the trench with theroots spreadout and the crown just below thesoil Earth’s surface . Backfill the oceanic abyss with soil and softly firm it down .
5. Watering and Mulching
Water theasparagus tip deeplyafter planting . Mulch around the plants withorganic topic , such as straw or shredded leaves , toretain moistureand suppress weeds .
6. Fertilizing Asparagus Plants
Fertilize edible asparagus plants regularly throughout thegrowing season . Use abalanced fertilizerwith a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 . implement the fertilizer according to the producer ’s instructions .
7. Harvesting Asparagus
Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 - 8inches talland haveclosed peak . give away off the spears at the base of the flora , being measured not to damage the crown . harvest time edible asparagus on a regular basis to encourage continued production .
8. Maintaining Asparagus Beds
Once establish , asparagus plants ask minimal maintenance . Remove any sess that originate around the plants , and fill again the mulch as needed . In the fall , after the foliage hasdied back , cut it down to the ground .
A Final Note: Patience is Key
Asparagus works take time to mature and produce spears that are ready to harvest . Typically , it takes 2 - 3 year after planting before you could enjoy the fruit of your labor . However , withproper careand patience , Asparagus officinales plantscanproduce abundant harvestsfor many years to come .
Questions You May Have
Q : How often should I water Asparagus officinales plants?A : Water asparagus plants deeplyand regularly , specially during dry catamenia . Q : Can Igrow asparagusfrom seeds?A : Yes , but it is more unmanageable and time - consuming than growing from crowns . Q : Why are my asparagus spears bitter?A : Bitterness inasparagus spearscan be get by stress , such as drought or overweening heat . Q : How long can I harvest Asparagus officinales spears?A : harvesting Asparagus officinales spearsfor about 6 - 8 week each spring . Q : Can I eat the asparagus fern?A : Yes , but it is not as affectionate as the shaft .
