Asparagus is one of the first crops to grow in the garden. It takes a little work to get going, but once the plants are established, they will give you new spears every spring. And if you plan it right, you can even enjoy fresh asparagus all winter! This is one of the most rewarding vegetable crops you can grow.
Weed control
Weed control is a vital part of the asparagus growing process. There are several methods to control weeds, including hand weeding, hoeing, tilling, and weed killers. The best time to control weeds is before the asparagus spears emerge, and before the soil has begun to warm up in the spring. Asparagus grows six to eight inches below the topsoil, which makes weed control essential. For best results, use a thick layer of mulch around the asparagus bed.
Established fields are harvested from early spring to early summer. The spears develop from the crown of the plant, and are cut on a one to three-day cycle, depending on the temperature. This reduces weed competition. However, during this time, annual weeds can also cause weed problems. During this period, beds are exposed to sunlight and must be kept weed-free to allow for harvest. Keeping the bed free of weeds will help maintain the proper soil temperature, and ensure your asparagus plants will thrive.
In addition to applying herbicides before the asparagus seedlings emerge, you should also rotate the field to annual crops for several years. This prevents the growth of persistent weeds and helps to reduce the risk of soilborne disease inoculum. In extreme cases, you may need to use fallowing and tillage to control weeds. Herbicides are most effective when combined with cultural practices. Together, these methods provide the best results for your asparagus crops.
Soil pH
When planting asparagus, you want to make sure that the soil is slightly acidic, but not too acidic. You should aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. If you do not know how to interpret the pH of your soil, you can consult an extension agent. You can also visit the OSU Soil Testing Lab to learn more about crop-specific recommendations.
Asparagus grows best in medium-textured, well-drained soil. It will grow in a wide range of pH conditions, but it is not tolerant of extreme acidity. For best results, aim for a pH of 6.5-7.0. For the first three years of planting, make sure to provide adequate nutrients to the crowns. This will help promote strong fern and root system development. After that, make sure to monitor and maintain your stand’s health.
Soil pH for asparagus planting should be adjusted a year in advance to ensure that it will produce the best results. Since asparagus is sensitive to acidity, it should be planted at least a year before the last frost date in your area. If you are planting in a new location, it is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter. You can also use an organic starter fertilizer to promote soil microbes.
If you have heavy soil, double-digging is the best option. This involves digging up the first foot of soil and breaking up the subsoil beneath. After this, fill the trench with soil that is two to three inches deep. You should apply 3 to five pounds of phosphorus fertilizer every six inches of the row. A thriving asparagus plant should have a root system like a long tentacle. The roots should be plump and healthy.
Sun
The best place to plant asparagus is a sunny location that receives six hours of sunlight per day. It would be better if it received eight hours. Asparagus likes to grow in a sunny spot, but it also thrives in partial shade. While it can be grown as a standalone plant in your garden, you can also mix it with other vegetables in your flowerbeds.
Asparagus is a perennial that can produce spears for up to 15 years. It should be planted near the side or edge of your garden so it won’t interfere with other plants or hinder annual tillage. To ensure a healthy plant, prepare your soil and add plenty of organic matter.
Asparagus seedlings should be hardened off at least 10 days before planting. This should be done by putting the seedlings under a grow light for one hour on the first day, and two hours on the second. By this time, your seedlings should have a firm root structure and be ready to be transplanted into full sun.
Asparagus plants send out their roots from their crown, which is reminiscent of a large brown spider. To avoid transplant shock, be sure to soak the crowns before planting. Plant asparagus at least three feet apart, and be careful not to break the roots. Once planted, make sure to protect the spears from wind. Windblown sand can easily damage tender asparagus shoots, and damaged plants may be more susceptible to disease.
Heirloom varieties
If you’re a serious gardener, you’ll want to consider growing some heirloom varieties of asparagus. While you’ll find hybridized varieties available, heirloom varieties have the benefit of genetic diversity. For example, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the problems that male and female asparagus may have.
Asparagus is one of the most delicious vegetables, but it also takes a lot of space to grow. And, it only grows for a limited period of time in spring. So, you’ll have to decide whether that space is worth the effort. If you’ve always dreamed of growing asparagus in your yard, the wait might be over.
One of the best heirloom varieties for planting asparagus is the UC 157. It produces thick, long spears, and is resistant to rust and Fusarium. It’s also drought and heat tolerant. It also has a delicious flavor. It’s worth considering growing heirloom varieties for your asparagus garden, so you can enjoy them in the summer months.
You can grow heirloom varieties alongside your hybrid asparagus, and you can even plant them with seed-raised plants. A great source of heirloom seeds is Bountiful Gardens in Willits, California. These seeds are one of the safest ways to propagate disease-free plants.
Planting time
The best time to plant asparagus is during the spring. Asparagus shoots start to emerge in April and remain edible until the third week of June. The first year of growing asparagus is crucial for spear production, so leave the crowns uncut to allow the plant to grow to its full potential. This practice will also encourage larger crowns for a more plentiful crop in years to come.
Asparagus thrives in soil that is well-drained and nutrient-rich. Adding compost and rock phosphate to the soil before planting is a great way to add these nutrients. Asparagus prefers a pH level of 6.5 to 7.0. Fertilize your asparagus plants regularly during late summer and early fall to help them thrive. Fertilizers with high levels of potassium and phosphorous are recommended.
Asparagus plants can be divided in late winter or early spring. Ideally, you should divide your plants every three years. However, you shouldn’t divide them more than once, because they are slow to settle back into the soil. Make sure to handle each crown carefully to prevent damage. If the crown is too large, you may need to cut roots to separate the plants. After dividing the crown, the new plants should be planted at the soil surface with the buds showing.
Asparagus has a long growth period and will produce a harvest for 15 to 30 years. Ensure that the soil is free of weeds and mulch to keep it moist. Once they reach maturity, they will need less water.
Heirloom varieties need extra space
You can also grow heirloom varieties alongside your hybrid varieties. They require less space and require less maintenance, producing twice as many spears per plant. Some of the heirloom varieties are primarily male, so they don’t use energy on seed development. This means they produce more spears and are more robust.
When you grow these plants, you should make sure they have plenty of room. A good rule of thumb is to plant the crowns at least 6 inches below the soil surface. You should also remember to water your plants frequently, especially during periods of drought and hot weather. The soil in your asparagus bed should have good drainage. A couple of inches of aged compost will help the soil retain moisture and keep your plants healthy.
After they have reached three years of age, you can start harvesting. Harvesting season usually lasts six to eight weeks. Avoid overharvesting because it reduces the productivity of the crowns. Harvesting regularly will shorten the harvest season. A healthy crown has plenty of roots and buds.
Asparagus requires a good deal of space. It prefers full sunlight, but will grow well in partial shade. It needs a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil to thrive. It will last for up to 20 years if it is planted properly. Soil testing should be done at least three times a year.
