Asparagus Care
- Light. Asparagus plants grow best in full sun. ...
- Soil. For a long-lived perennial like asparagus, it pays to take the time to improve your soil. ...
- Water. ...
- Temperature and Humidity. ...
- Fertilizer. ...
What are some tips for growing asparagus?
Asparagus Growing Tips. Since you won't be harvesting for the first year or so, asparagus requires some patience and preparation. Since asparagus is a perennial, you'll need to pick an out of the way spot in the vegetable garden, an area you can till around. Asparagus also needs space, about 4 - 5 feet for each plant.
How do you get rid of weeds in asparagus?
Remove weeds when preparing the bed, and keep weeding while the asparagus plants are young. Asparagus roots form a tightly woven mat, from which it is challenging to remove weeds. Add mulch to the asparagus bed to control weeds. Do not add any other plants to the asparagus bed—they dislike any competition for nutrients.
Do I need to fertilize my asparagus?
You should have fertilized your bed just before you planted your asparagus. You need to follow this up each year to keep the bed in good condition, however you are not going to be able to dig the bed over.
How to store asparagus?
Another way to store asparagus is to store the spears in a cup of water and place them in the fridge. You can keep an inch of water in the cup. Asparagus beetles on the asparagus sprout top. Asparagus beetles are the most common plant pests on Asparagus crop.
What do I do with my first year asparagus plant?
Enjoy Your Asparagus Every Year Don't harvest your harvest during the first year. Just let the plants grow to give the crown a chance to become well established. You can start lightly harvesting your asparagus during the second year.
How often should you water asparagus seedlings?
Asparagus needs regular watering, especially while young; give it 1 to 2 inches of water per week during its first two growing seasons; give older plants about 1 inch per week. Give them a good start when you first plant them and you'll have fewer problems in future years.
When should I transplant my asparagus seedlings?
Transplant when seedlings are 10-12 weeks old and danger of frost has passed. Space 45cm (18″) apart in rows 1-2m (3-6′) apart. Transplant each plant in a hole 10cm (4") deep and gradually cover the crown with soil as it grows.
How deep should asparagus seedlings be planted?
a half-inch deepGardeners are encouraged to begin their asparagus seeds in a greenhouse or somewhere indoors, planting the seeds a half-inch deep in soil temperatures of 70-85 degrees between the months of February and May. Each seed should occupy its own small pot. Sprouting will occur between two and eight weeks of planting.
Can asparagus be overwatered?
You can definitely overwater asparagus. Excess water can lead to health issues for your plants. One such issue is asparagus rust which can cause your asparagus spears to become mottled with fungus. This fungus can take the form of yellow or black spots.
Can you use Miracle Grow on asparagus?
If you are looking for an all-around great option for asparagus then I recommend the Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is one of the Best Asparagus Fertilizers EVER! This fertilizer instantly feeds providing bigger, better asparagus. You can apply it every two weeks with a garden feeder.
Why are my asparagus seedlings falling over?
Your asparagus plants are falling over because of frost, pests like cutworms, and asparagus beetles. It could also be due to a lack of support, sunlight, or water. A strong wind can also break the plant when it has grown quite tall.
Will asparagus spread on its own?
Yes, asparagus will spread as it grows. Asparagus roots can spread out up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) underground. Asparagus ferns (mature spears with foliage) can spread out 3 feet (90 centimeters) above ground. An older, more mature asparagus plant will send up more spears from its larger crown and energy reserves.
Should I remove Female asparagus plants?
The female asparagus stalk will become fern-like and develop berries (but don't eat them because they are toxic to humans). Over time these female plants should be removed.
What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?
The best fertilizer for asparagus will feature a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 blend. Beginning in the fourth year, apply fertilizer after the final harvest in late spring or early summer, instead of a spring application.
How long does asparagus take to grow from seed?
It takes up a lot of space, there is a lot of prep work to get the bed ready, and it requires about three years from seed to harvest before we get to taste a single spear. The good news is that, once started, asparagus can last a generation, so there are big rewards!
How many asparagus seeds are in a hole?
Asparagus seeds are usually planted one seed per hole. If you are starting seeds, plant in 2 inches pot.
How often should seedlings be watered?
once a daySeedlings should be watered once a day or every other day, depending on how much sun and heat they get. Remember that seedling roots are fairly close to the surface and they're growing in a small amount of media, so they don't need a deep soak the way larger plants do.
When should I start watering asparagus?
During the first 2 years after planting, asparagus plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per square foot per week. If you are not receiving adequate rainfall, you will likely need to water. Use drip irrigation if possible. Asparagus thrive on a steady supply of plant food.
Can you overwater seedlings?
Sufficient moisture is critical to avoid drought stress; however, overwatering promotes disease, leaches nutrients and wastes time and money. Here are tips for deciding how much irrigation seedlings need.
How often should I water my asparagus plant?
Water garden plants once or twice a week, so the soil doesn't dry completely. Asparagus ferns are moderately drought tolerant, but they will grow at a slower rate without sufficient moisture, notes the University of Florida.