Planting and growing Asparagus
Asparagus crowns are planted early in spring as the soil temperature begins to warm up, and in general are not harvested in the first year. Spears are harvested as they appear above the soil and this can be done by simply snapping them off, or you can use a sharp knife, but be careful not to cut the new shoots that are appearing or are just below the soil.
Harvesting or picking Asparagus
Two ideas exist on how to harvest asparagus, one is to snap or cut above the soil level, the other is to snap or cut 10cm below the soil level. We prefer to snap or cut below the soil depending if we have a knife with us at the time. Be very careful not to damage the crowns when harvesting.
Did you know that asparagus stems are fairly tough, a serrated knife is best and commercial growers use a special 'asparagus harvesting knife' For best results harvest in the cool of the morning and store in a refrigerated area.
Where and How to Plant Asparagus.
Asparagus require a well dug well drained humus rich soil and a sunny position. In general 1 year old asparagus crowns are used not seed.
Asparagus is an interesting plant in that it is planted in a trench (around 7 -9 inches deep) and the trench is progressively backfilled as the spears begin to grow. Plant crowns 12 inches apart with adequate spacing between rows to allow for the trench to be backfilled without disturbing plants.
Asparagus Growing Summary
Asparagus prefer pH of 5.5-6.5.
Plant Crowns 7 -9 inches deep
Asparagus are hungry plants and require regular fertilize, try a seaweed fertilizer
Do NOT harvest in the first year, let the ferns develop.
When harvesting look for well formed growing tips that are not to tall, not to skinny and not to fat.
Remember to stop cutting (around June in most areas) and let the ferns develop so that the crowns are well fed for the next year.
Leave the ferns until they die back and then remove them
Mulch over winter and keep weed free
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