We have ordered asparagus crowns for April delivery. A number of people have asked how to deal with them when they arrive, below is a rough guide to their cultivation.
1. Preparing the bed – The earlier you can do this the better. Choose a spot which is sheltered and in full sun and does not become waterlogged. Dig the area nice and deep, removing all perennial weeds (you will never be able to dig this bed again). Incorporate plenty of manure or other organic matter.
2. Planting – Take out a trench about 9” deep in the shape of an inverted V. Spread out the roots on this. Cover the crowns with a few inches of soil. For the first season continue to cover the plants as they grow.
Plant approx 15” apart in the row. If more than one row is required these should be 3’ apart. Alternatively, set out a double row in a staggered formation.
3. Harvesting – It is best not to cut any spears (shoots) in the first year (if you can’t resist make sure it is only very few). In subsequent years the spears can be cut, from just below the soil surface, as they reach about 6” high. Cutting must stop in mid to late June (the longest day is often used as a guide), to allow the ferns to grow and build up the strength of the plants.
4. Autumn/Winter Treatment – When the ferns turn yellow in late autumn cut then down to ground level. The bed can then be cleared of any weeds that may be present. Cover the bed with some well rotted manure or compost to both feed the plants and keep down weeds.
As growth starts in spring give a feed of Blood, Fish and Bone, or similar general fertilizer.
Asparagus beds will, given good conditions and treatment, last many, many years, thirty plus years is not unusual.
This delicious vegetable is very expensive in the shops but is so easy to grow we should all try to find space for some.
Good luck.
Peter Whiting