Growing asparagus can be a rewarding experience, but it requires the right techniques and care. In this article, we’ll explore the best tips and tricks from experts on how to grow asparagus and keep it thriving for decades.
Asparagus is a prized perennial vegetable that can produce a harvest year after year. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy delicious asparagus spears for decades to come. According to Martha Stewart, asparagus is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, and with the right techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Types of Asparagus
There are several varieties of asparagus available, ranging from heirlooms to hybrids and in colors such as green, purple, and more. The Jersey series of asparagus, for example, has been discontinued despite its popularity, though it may still be available at some garden centers and suppliers. Millennium is a hybrid that’s gained popularity in the wake of the Jersey series. If you’re interested in open-pollinated varieties, however, then you can’t go wrong with the green Mary Washington or the violet Purple Passion.
Planting
Most experts recommend growing asparagus from a crown, which is a small root ball with sprouts and a long, trailing root system. Planting crowns is a bit like planting potatoes, according to Charlotte Germane, master gardener and master composter. Do it early in the spring, as soon as the soil is free of frost.
Care Requirements
Taking care of asparagus is all about providing the proper conditions, from water and light to soil and fertilizer. Asparagus doesn’t have intense watering needs–about 1 or 2 inches of water per week will typically suffice. Asparagus prefers soil with plenty of organic matter, and that’s well-drained, with an almost sandy-loam consistency.
Harvesting
You can harvest the spears from established asparagus plants when they’re about 8 inches tall. Select a few spears while they’re still under 12 inches and snap them off at the base where they naturally break, says gardening author Kathy Jentz. You can harvest as quickly as they produce—it’s better than letting the shoots get too tall.
Common Mistakes
Asparagus is very easy to grow, but there are a few mistakes that experts see happen more often than not. Overharvesting is one of the biggest mistakes, according to Jentz. During its first few years, you need to not harvest any spears. Then, in the third year of growth, you can start to harvest up to half of the spears.
For more information on growing asparagus, check out the original article from Martha Stewart. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy delicious asparagus spears for decades to come.
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