Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: bellebouche on March 22, 2006, 08:32:05
Title: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bellebouche on March 22, 2006, 08:32:05
Right, the passing of the risk of frost and a few warm days was enough to get out and get my asparagus bed planted up.
I had set aside a bed of 6mx4m for the asparagus plot and half of it was double-dug and very well manured from last years Borlotti, Flageolet & Fava beans.. this made the dig/weeding relatively easy and all that i had to deal with was a light surface smattering of chickweed.
We found very few bindweed roots in the dig so it should be easy to deal with for long term management - this was a relief as we've had extensive infestations of this elsewhere.
I bought 20x 2 year old crowns of 'white' French style asparaugus and 10x 1 year crowns of the thinner green/purple tipped English style. I thought a mixture might cover our options a little and help spread out the season a little.
The French asparagus required a deep 50cm trench that I filled with an 8cm layer of well rotted compost and a sprinkling of soil to form a small 'mound' to sit the crowns on, they they got covered with a 20 cm layer of soil and are now sat in a small 20 cm trench. The growing instructions we have indicate that we should gradually backfill this trench over the next couple of growing seasons to ultimately leave us with a raised bed that the spears will poke out through.
The Green/English asparagus only need a much smaller 20cm trench and this was level filled to the surface of the plot after the crowns went in.
It seems like a while to have to wait for them to start producing but the economics of it all should see the crowns paid for with our first years crop... from there on in it's all 'free'. The asparagus crowns were cheap here.... I paid just €18 for the 30 plants that I've just put in.
I did take some pics as all this work was underway - I'll post back later with some snaps...
... and now... on with vine pruning!
Adrian
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Curryandchips on March 22, 2006, 08:54:05
Indeed cheap !!! You sound like you enjoy asparagus to put 30 plants in ... that makes my 7 plants seem pitiful, although they were donated so I am very grateful. Perennial weeds are indeed a problem, I have the docks (easy, just pull), bindweed (the roots go on and on) marestail (ditto), thistles (as per dock), and couch (arghh). Other than that, my plot is weed free :)
You are right, the cost of the investment will be multiplied manyfold once cropping starts ...
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: David R on March 22, 2006, 11:52:36
crickey, my asparaus are about a foot down, and i get superb crops, wonder if they could be even better? I planted so deep following advice in a book.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 22, 2006, 18:40:42
I juast got 15 un-named 'white asparagus' plants from Wilkinson's on my way home from school. Last time I tried the stuff, nothing ever came up; I don't know whether that was down to a very dry spring or what. This time I'm going to put them in pots in a cold frame and mollycoddle them till they get going.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bellebouche on March 23, 2006, 05:23:40
Keep the crowns moist until you're ready to plant them, I kept mine in a large poly box on top of a bed of damp seed compost.. I also laid a damp spud-sack on top. I had my crowns for nearly a fortnight before I was able to plant them... and in that time half of them started actually chucking up tiny little white spears.
I'm not sure that planting them in pots will do the trick... they're going to need at least a season to get established in-situ... and that means planting them out at the right depth in their final position in soil that's well prepared (well dug, good drainage, right pH, right dressing) otherwise I suspect you might be on the road for another failure.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Curryandchips on March 23, 2006, 09:36:39
Arghh, this sounds like I may not succeed then, I kept my one year crowns over the winter in slightly damp compost in pots in the greenhouse, then just planted them about 6 inches deep in their final beds a few weeks ago, with a sprinkling of BF & B on the surface of the soil. Having said all that, the roots did look healthy when I planted them ...
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: caroline7758 on March 23, 2006, 13:58:14
If anyone's interested, I just got an e-mail from T&M offering 25 asparagus crowns for £19.99, this week only. Here's the link:
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: ann hunter on March 23, 2006, 14:18:57
??? Am new too all this about asparagus. I love the stuff but havent a clue where to start. Have a patch down the lotty that might be ok to start. Any advice?
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bupster on March 23, 2006, 14:57:30
Me too. Interested in the T& M offer. I put off asparagus last year because I'm clearing a bed then planting, and there's a mountain of seed packets at my back. Afraid of sticking asparagus in bed that hasn't been perfectly cleared then discovering it's in the wrong place!
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: ann hunter on March 23, 2006, 15:00:07
::) Gi that sounds kinky. Story of my life puting things in the wrong place, however part of the fun is findingwhat works - as long as its not tooooooo expensive a mistake.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 23, 2006, 17:41:09
Thanks for the advice. I've added some anonymous green asparagus; a decent row of each, if I can just get it started this time, will do us fine! I got globe artichoke and horseradish as well while I was about it.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: jennym on March 23, 2006, 19:06:54
Just for info, here is a pic of an asparagus plant, still dormant, dug up accidentally recently - the plant was grown from seed sown during 2002 - note that the roots would be longer if I hadn't ripped it out! Just in case anyone wonders why I was digging in that area, I strongly advise that raspberries NEVER be planted nearby - I think I have finally got rid of them from the asparagus bed...
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: grawrc on March 23, 2006, 20:44:12
I planted a few crowns last year and was so impressed that I'm now planting 30.
Meticulous soil preparation to ensure soil is completely free of perennial weeds. Once the asparagus roots get growing the weeds are impossible to get rid of.
Plenty of well-rotted manure: they're going to be there for up to 20 years.
IF you have light sandy soil dig a trench with a "hump" in the middle, straddle the hump with the crowns in staggered rows about 18 inches apart and cover them as they grow.
In heavy soils it is probably better to plant in raised beds though the same basic planting plan holds.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Mrs Ava on March 24, 2006, 09:39:37
I have 10 crowns I think, but they aren't in the best location - in dappled shade - and of course, with no water on site, apart from a top dressing of compost, they get little help. However, as I am the only one in the family to eat it (which is a common situation) my crowns produce plenty for me. The lady in the next plot has a asparagus bed and it looks like a freshly dug grave! :o Every year she heaps a very thick layer of rotted manure on the top, and every year she picks bucket fulls of the stuff! I think if you like these unusual or hard to come by seasonal veg, then it is well worth growing them, even if you only grow a few. If you have never tasted freshly picked and instantly cooked asparagas then you have missed a real treat...in the same way picking and cooking corn on the cob in minutes is the sweetest corn you will ever enjoy....or that ripe red tomato, that you can smell is ripe without even looking at it.....you get the picture ;D
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: sallylockhart on March 24, 2006, 09:48:06
Hello,
I have a couple of asparagus plants languishing in a flower bed.
What can I do to encourage them? I have no idea how old they are or how deep they have been planted (I only know they are asparagus because it says so on the label - thank you to previous house owners - very organised :), and I recognise the ferny leaf skeletons)
Also, can I move them? and if so, when and how should I do it?
cheers
sl
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: amanda21 on March 24, 2006, 09:48:45
I've got 10 crowns turning up any day soon and haven't even started their bed. I have another area dug over for something else I suppose I can use if need be.
I am slightly confused so can I clarify - dig a trench a spit deep - with a little mound - plant about 18" apart (can they go closer if I have 2 rows of 5 staggered?) and just cover with soil? Do I keep covering as it grows for the first year until the soil is back upto ground level? Don't cut for first year and leave to fern (how long do I keep the fern?) Cut only a few the following year.
I love the stuff (same in our family EJ - just me!) and can't wait. I've had a few spears self-seed in our garden but I never see them until the fern comes out the top of a holly bush! They can't be so fussy!
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: supersprout on March 24, 2006, 10:26:45
This is what I did my first time: Selected north side of plot, as I read that's best place for 'em Hacked out a trench about 3/4 spit deep along the middle of a 1m wide bed, as I read that shallower planting encourages higher yield (and hauled out raspberry roots lol) Threw in some BF&B and well rotted manure (think this should have been sand, WHOOPS) Put in the crowns and spread out the arms as if they were octopi, 18" apart Covered with an inch of soil, as I read you should incrementally fill up with soil to ground level as amanda says, as the tips show through Covered with thick layer of leaves to protect from frost Plan to feed lots when the fern are high, as I read they are greedy feeders.
I also read that there's no need to spread the arms out, and that you can just plant them in a furrow. You pays your money, and only Time will Tell :D
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: fbgrifter on March 24, 2006, 10:27:57
asparagus doesn't like to be moved
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: amanda21 on March 24, 2006, 11:06:42
Thanks - I don't have any well rotted manure yet and the compost is still in early stages - I have a quarter bag of old potting compost I was going to put in along with some BF&B - will this be enough?
While we are on BF&B can this go in the ground at the time of planting or does it hurt the roots - should I dig some in a week or so before?
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: supersprout on March 24, 2006, 11:15:37
Well I HOPE some mixed in will be OK as it's slow release stuff. Time will Tell again ;) Just remembered, re spacing, I read that 6 ft should be allowed between the rows to allow for prolific growth of fern. You can tell I did a lot of reading. Re shallowness, someone with a lovely Green Man avatar posted that they'd planted very deep and got loads of crop! ssxx
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: dingerbell on March 24, 2006, 11:22:37
An old trick from the Channel Isles, where they grow great Sparrow Grass is to mulch with seaweed. It pongs a lot but the plants are naturally salt tolerant and it keeps the slimey slugs at bay. If you're close to the beach, it's free and is brilliant for your tomatoes as well. :)
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Curryandchips on March 24, 2006, 11:27:48
6 ft between rows - arrggh! I have only allowed 3 ft. ie the plants are on a 3 ft grid (2 rows).
Amanda, to avoid burning the roots, I put the BF&B down as a top dressing. All subsequent feeding will be done as a mulch anyway, so I can't see it being a problem.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 24, 2006, 17:23:07
Looking around, some sources suggest planting in rows 4 1/2-6 feet apart, others suggest bed planting 1 - 1 1/2 feet apart. I suppose it depends on your approach. I'll be doing something like the latter, with a double row, half of white and half of green asparagus.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: supersprout on March 24, 2006, 17:30:50
Perhaps photo comparisons of peoples' approaches to beds/layout would be really interesting around May/June time, will suggest it then. Nothing like show 'n tell (get that root jenny)! ::)
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Ceratonia on March 24, 2006, 17:42:25
My asparagus may have been in neat rows when it started a few years back, but it certainly isn't now and tries to escape out of the bed and off down the path. So I don't think spacing of rows will matter too much in the long term. 6ft spacing sounds like a lot, though.
Would agree with EJ's comments about freshness - definitely a case for sticking the pan of water on the heat before venturing out with your knife, for maximum flavour. I like the fact that it is so seasonal - eat it every day or two for a few weeks, then no more until next year.
I also think the fern looks very decorative, especially in autumn when it turns golden, with a few red berries for contrast (unless you have the all-male cultivars).
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: grawrc on March 24, 2006, 18:08:06
Curry if you stagger each row against the next the rows can be much closer.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: supersprout on March 24, 2006, 18:31:19
What can I do to encourage them? Also, can I move them? and if so, when and how should I do it?
Hi sally, another vote for not moving them. If you like where they are, you could always have your cake and eat it (lucky you!) - harvest a few secret spears early in the year, and let the fern grow for loveliness. They will appreciate a mulch in Spring and Autumn, seaweed is good but any nourishment would be better than none.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 24, 2006, 19:10:55
How long does it take before it spreads all over the place? That might be an argument for keeping two varieties in different beds.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Curryandchips on March 24, 2006, 19:22:02
Well thank you, Robert, grawrc et al, I don't feel so guilty about my spacing now.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bellebouche on March 28, 2006, 10:28:28
A quick look-see this morning and I notice probably a dozen 6-8cm spears poking through the top layer of mulch in the trenches for my white asparagus... yay!
We've had a week or so of torrential rain punctuated with long warm & sunny spells (19 degrees on Saturday, 21 degrees Sunday) so the warm spring weather plus a good soaking is doing it wonders.
Time to backfill the trenches and shore-up the spears methinks.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: misterphil on March 28, 2006, 11:05:23
Hi I have planted up some asparagus seeds (martes F1 and conover colossal), of which at least 40 have germinated!
When can they be planted out? I seem to recall reading somewhere that they should go into a seed bed and then be planted on next year as 1 year old crowns, or was it that I should just transplant them into the bed in which they'll live for the next few decades? (Aargh - it's bad enough with the seed catalogues to realise that I'm planning crops for spring 2007, but for spring 2027?! - God, I'll be 55 by then! )
Anyway, back on topic again: does anyone else have any ideas?
thanks
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: grawrc on March 28, 2006, 18:10:49
Bellebouche are you in the Caribbean? ;D ;D ;D Most of us have had snow and sleet and yes torrential rain but nothing warm enough for asparagus.... :'(
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Curryandchips on March 28, 2006, 18:17:41
Check her profile grawrc, Deux-Sevres, not quite the Caribbean but definitely warmer than here !!!
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: grawrc on March 28, 2006, 18:34:04
Ah! I see. Most of my French friends have had weather similar to the UK, but then they are mostly more "continental" climates, where I suspect Bellebouche is more maritime.
Thank you Curry, helpful as ever. :)
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: fbgrifter on March 28, 2006, 18:37:44
i thought you had to sow asparagus direst as it doesn't like to be moved?!
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: jennym on March 28, 2006, 19:49:07
fbgrifter, I have grown asparagus from seed a few times now, and they seem to be ok if you move them young. Here is a set of instructions I sent to someone who asked for them, its what I do, others may have different ways. Sow around now about 1/4 " deep in a large deep seed tray (6 seeds in one tray) or one seed in a small pot. Don't need to be protected or heated, but it may speed up germination - can take 2 -3 weeks or longer. You will see tiny ferny leaves appear - they really look fragile and delicate. They won't grow very big, maybe 10 - 15 cm this summer. Leave the plants alone - just feed and water, but don't over water. They will die right back in winter, the leaves turn brown. Don't water hardly at all over winter - soil should never be wet. Don't let them freeze. Next spring, when it warms up, and before the leaves come (probably mid/end March) plant them out - they have spidery roots, spread these out, and cover shallowly, say 3 cm deep and about 60 cm apart. They like light soil, mine is heavy clay and I dug in plenty of muck and also some sand. Put a stick in by each one or you will forget where they are! They will grow larger foliage that year. Mulch with extra soil and leaves, or some use sand, over winter to protect the crowns The following year is when you may be able to pick your own asparagus spears - but don't pick after end of May, as they need to grow the ferns to feed the roots and build up a better plant. If you don't want to pick the spears for food - fine, let them grow in the flower garden, mid to back of border, and enjoy the attractive fine ferny foliage. You can plant closer than 60 cm if you just want them in the flower garden.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bellebouche on March 28, 2006, 22:44:46
Bellebouche are you in the Caribbean? ;D ;D ;D Most of us have had snow and sleet and yes torrential rain but nothing warm enough for asparagus.... :'(
heh! At times this winter I have wished we were in the Caribbean!
I live in western France.. kind of midway between LaRochelle on the coast and Poitiers... the area is called Poitou Charente and we do benefit from some exceptional weather.. I think the gulf stream hits the west of France square on so that is a big benefit for us.... it's not only a great place to come for holidays.. but it makes for easy gardening!
On a slightly related note I noticed the very first white French Asparagus in the Supermarket today... an eye watering €14.95/Kg
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: bellebouche on March 31, 2006, 11:50:50
..that's my first row of crowns, some early spears starting to sprout sat in a trench 20cm down and on top of a good 20cm of compost and a small pyramid of normal soil.
been to check this morning and they're going gangbusters!
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: supersprout on March 31, 2006, 13:17:55
that one oughta go on the wiki bb swit swoo ::) :D
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Lizard Man on April 02, 2006, 07:27:35
I have finally got out and dug my asparagus bed in my new allotment - at the botom of my garden. I followed Monty Don's advice in his recent Gardener's World book. Had to dig down 18" initially. I think I can feel every muscle in my body now!! :P
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 02, 2006, 10:07:22
I dug a trench and put in fifteen white asparagus roots yesterday, but I only went down one spit. I find that it works better to mulch rather than putting anything deep underneath, as the worms take it down much faster. I've buried dead leaves or geass cuttings before now, and found them still there a year later, while if I put the same quantity on top, it's gone long before then. So I put an inch or so of soil over the roots, then mulched with dead leaves. They can have grass cuttings next winter; I don't like putting horrible slimy masses of rotten grass on top of anything newly planted as it won't come through, but for autumn use it's great since there's so much goodness there.
There's more to go in today, but that was enough for one day, on top of a shopping trip and mulching onions.
Title: Re: Asparagus Bed
Post by: grawrc on April 04, 2006, 10:21:32
I'm off to plant mine now. I'm not going deep - a spit is plenty I think. Like you Robert I'm going to mulch up. I want them to end up almost in a raised bed as I believe they don't like wet feet so good drainage is imperative. I'll add some sand and manure (well rotted) and put leaf mould in the trench to keep them warm. Too early for them to appear above the parapet here in Scotland. JAck Frost would just shoot them down. Gosh it's exciting - my very own asparagus beed at last. 8)