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Cultivating Asparagus |
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Asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable which can remain productive for up to 20 years, which makes it ideal for growing on plots where it will not be disturbed.
Asparagus likes sun and a well-drained soil, but should be sheltered from strong winds. It can be grown in a traditional veg patch or raised bed but will not be happy in a heavy clay soil or in a container.
Preparing your soil for asparagus:
•Spend some time preparing your asparagus bed well as your crowns will be living in their new home for lots of years.
•Dig over the ground well in late autumn or the early part of the year and dig in plenty of well rotted compost/ manure or wormcast.
•It is very important to remove all perennial weeds.
Plant your asparagus crowns
•Dig a trench 30cm (1ft) wide and 20cm (8in) deep. Work in well-rotted manure to the bottom of the trench and cover the base with a 5cm (2in) layer of loose soil
•Make a 10cm-high (4in) ridge of soil down the centre of the trench
•Place the crowns on top of this ridge 30-45cm (1ft-18in) apart. Spread the roots evenly and replace the rest of the soil, leaving the bud tips just visible
•Leave 45cm (18in) between rows and stagger the plants between adjacent rows
•Water in and mulch with 5cm (2in) of well-rotted manure or other weed free organic matter
Aftercare
•Keep your asparagus bed damp during dry weather. Spears may appear soon after planting, but avoid harvesting these as you will weaken the crowns.
•Years 1-2 leave plants to form lots of ferny foliage and cut down the stems in autumn, leaving 5cm stumps above ground level.
•Always keep asparagus beds free of weeds.
Harvesting
Do not harvest for the first two years after planting. In the third year, harvest spears from mid-April to mid-June. To harvest, cut individual spears with a sharp knife 2.5cm (1in) below the soil when they are no more than 18cm (7in) tall. In warm weather it may be possible to harvest every two to three days.
Order Asparagus Crowns |
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