Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Asparagus:
Asparagus is a vegetable that requires more than the usual patience to grow, as it will not
start producing for 2-3 years after planting. Thereafter however you can have Asparagus
shoots for up to 20 years or more - so it is worth the wait in the long term!
It thrives best in areas that have long cold winters as it is a cool-season early crop.
Planting:
Asparagus is grown from 'crowns' that are planted in the early spring. These are 1 year old
plants that can be purchased from your local garden centre or other commercial supplier.
Asparagus requires good nutrition and drainage to prosper well which makes any king of
SFG or Raised Bed ideal for them.
To plant your Asparagus first dig a round hole in your soil about 6 inches deep and the area
ofyoursquare-1plantpersquare.Spreadouttherootsofyouryoungplantandlayintothe
hole, covering to the top of the plant with the soil; water thoroughly.
Astheplantbeginstogrowthenslowlyformamoundaroundthestemleavingitprotruding
a couple of inches above the soil.
Plant Care:
Do not harvest in the first year but instead at the end ofthe season cut away the dead foliage
and re-cover with fresh mulch.
The second year keep the bed thickly mulched and prevent weeds from running amok!
By the third year you may start to harvest your crop.
Harvesting:
