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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: staris on April 27, 2009, 19:48:53
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i fancy growing some asparagus and i have a few questions, i read that it's best to plant early spring so have i missed the boat and should i wait untill next year.
also the bed i was going to use is approx 16' x5' roughly how many crowns would i need to fill it, thanks ;D
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As a general rule, new crowns should be planted at the end of March and I don't think that decent producers/growers would lift crowns at any other time of the year. There is a little nugget of info in my head, that I can't quite bring into focus, about a variety that can be planted in the Autumn - Pacific maybe???
The toughest thing for me was working out how many crowns for the bed size. I ended up with 10 crowns in a bed 9x2, so with off-set rows you might be able to get in 20.
I expect an expert will be along shortly ;D
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iplanted mine at 18" spacings (6-7 yr ago) and the plants have thrived.depends how much you like asp .I've got 9 plants and average 160 spears a season .
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A tip from my (bitter) experience- make sure you get all the weeds out before you start, as it's impossible to get them out once the asparagus is growing!
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im always hand weeding em
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There is a little nugget of info in my head, that I can't quite bring into focus, about a variety that can be planted in the Autumn - Pacific maybe???
I think, like second crop potatoes, producers are starting to supply autumn planting crowns. I bought some online last Autumn (names escape me for the moment, but Dutch sounding I think) to replace the seed-grown crowns I lost to the toxic manure. My plot neighbour also got them in the Autumn from T&M's catalogue. Glad to say, all of mine seem to have survived the cold wet winter.
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ok thanks, i'll wait untill the autumn and try and pick some up then, at least it gives me plenty time to prepare the bed :)
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Walked past a huge field of asparagus near Worcester the other day, on a walk along the Severn Way. Not a weed in sight. Friable, well cultivated, light soil. Spacing about 18 inches between plants and about 3 feet between rows (I thought they needed to be wider apart, but it seems not). Lots of good looking spears coming through.
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Does anyone know what the sensible course of action is for asparagus grown from seed?.... I have a lot of seedlings coming through in a 40-module tray sown 2-3 seeds to a module. I'm guessing potting on once they get big enough to be competing with each other or as soon as I see evidence of significant roots at the bottom, but then what?.... I'm not stuck for pots up to about 6". My plan wqas to put them into thoseand keep them there for the summer outdoors on the plot, hopefully be able to sex them once they've flowered then to put the males into their final bed later on this year. THe females I'd repot into bigger pots for the winter and use up next year from there though if I seem to have plenty I might split the females 2/3- 1/3 and plant out the 1/3, the 2/3 would be butchered next year for everything I can get from them and the 1/3 (defruited once they've flowered) the year after giving the males a two year growing time to get good and big before they start getting cropped....
Comments, advice, especially from anyone who has established an all male bed from open-pollinated seed would be very welcome.....
chrisc
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Perhaps grow on for a year, then plant out. If you keep planting a few more seed every year then you'll have plants to replace females as you rogue them out.
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Perhaps grow on for a year, then plant out. If you keep planting a few more seed every year then you'll have plants to replace females as you rogue them out.
Hmm... I only want about 30 plants though..... assuming germination hasn't shown a bias to one or other gender I estimate I've already got that number of males anyway.....
chrisc....
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Staris
I planted asparagus last year in July and they have generally done fine with constant watering at the beginning, but as I planted them to close to brambles (as it was the only free space on a new plot) I lost 50%. This year I moved them to a new plot in March and are now being lightly picked. To make up for losses I bought some more crowns from Moles Seeds - absolute bargain for the quantity you get - and again they are sitting in a bag of wet compost waiting for an expanded bed to be prepared. They have already sent up spears so the only problem I see is not damaging the spears.
I plant the crowns at 18" with 30" between rows but the classic method in books is two rows in a 5' bed that has been sieved.
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i have a bed which I intend to use for asparaugus that is around 4.5ftx12ft and have read so many differing opinions regarding spacing that I am at a loss as to how many I can realistically get in a bed and therefore how many I should order....
anyone got any advice?
Also I am thinking of buying Gijnlim variety - anyone got a view on that??
Psi
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Gijnlim variety
I was trying to get this Asparagus as I read a good review on it and Pacific one on the net. It was out of stock with place I usually buy from but it's in B&Q at present.
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Hmm... I only want about 30 plants though..... assuming germination hasn't shown a bias to one or other gender I estimate I've already got that number of males anyway.....
chrisc....
In that case I'd suggest planting out enough to make a bed after a year, and keeping the spares back in large pots. That way the females you plant first are establishing themselves while you sort out the males. I don't know whether they'd flower in pots, so you may end up doing multiple rounds of rogueing.
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it is a raised bed by the way - so i dont need to walk between 'rows' or even have rows at all! I just cant work out the ideal spacing...
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Don't want to knock B&Q but asparagus is a long term investment. You want to get the best quality you can, so make sure the crowns are in good condition.
For such a long term project the problem is there are quite a variety of Asparagus from Connovers Colossal (an old variety which has an AGM from the RHS) through more modern green varieties like Gijnlim and Pacific 2000 (both with good reviews) and purple varieties like Purple Pacific or Crimson Pacific to 'wild' varieties that are particularly slim. Also new hydrids are coming on to market all the time and they all get goo write-ups :)
I planted some Crimson Pacific a new variety from NZ (bought from Blackmoor Nursery) two weeks ago. It was just beginning to bud and spears are already up from 5 out of the 6. We already have conventional green asparagus and also I hope some of the wild Italian planted last year but that isn't showing up yet.
These chaps in Kent have had good reports in an earlier thread and stock Gijnlim but there may be quite a price differential to B&Q and they may not be selling anyway as it's a bit late (though a phone call might resolve that if you're determined).
http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/ (http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/)
I'm not certain, but the moment I think T&M are the only supplier providing Autumn planting crowns and T&M have had mixed reviews. However now that they have started other suppliers may join in.
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Sorry - forgot spacing.
Here's some professional advice...
'Planting asparagus crowns will reward you with up to 20 years of productive life.
Growing asparagus successfully you will need to have (or create) an area of free draining soil and plenty of space - it will lock up the bed for 10-20 years... but oh boy it will be well worth it!
When planting asparagus choose a shelterd sunny spot... strong winds can play havoc with the tall foliage which grows after the cropping period has ended.
Good drainage is essential - dig the bed thoroughly in the previous autumn/fall and dig in liberal amounts of well-rotted manure or compost. This will give the asparagus ferns access to all the nutrients they require as well as retaining moisture within the soil. Add lime if the soil is very acid. If you have tested your soil these vegetables prefer a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Dig a trench 20-25cm(8"-10") deep and 30cm(12") wide. The distance between trenches is open for debate but a good rule-of-thumb is if you have plenty of area then space the trenches 90cm(36") apart - if not then 45cm(18") will be fine. The soil you have dug out for the trench should be left along its edge as you will cover the crowns over a period of time - layer upon layer.
Space the crowns about 40cm(16") apart in the trenches on 5cm(2") high mounds of rotted compost or manure. These mounds are created only below each asparagus crown and the roots fanned out across them.'
So if you go for two lengthwise trenches, if my maths is right that would make about 18 crowns.
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Barnowl, that's an excellent site! Thank you.
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ah! Yes I think that sounds good and correct - just drawn it out on your advice and 18 seems to be the number - I'll order 18 then! Thanks so much Barn owl - I appreciate you taking the time to advise!
Now...what sort of yield should I anticipate in a couple of years time? How many spears does a crown usually produce??
Thanks again
Psi
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if I can source some do you think it'd be ok to stick them in now??? Sorry for all the questions!
Psi
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Product? "25 spears/yr".
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I've had a couple of bad experiences with asparagus, and would never buy it from a cheap place again. The asparagus in Kent website sells top quality crowns; the difference has to be seen to be believed. I don't see the need for autumn planting as you're unlikely to get asparagus any faster.
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Glad to help - all fresh in the mind since I've bought crowns every year for three years. But since it's only three years can't advise on cropping potential. Experienced grower required :)
Sorry, just spotted Tim's advice. Is that 25 spears per crown, Tim? Presumably 4th year and onwards.
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I just recieved my 10 Connovers Collossal from JParkers, so I'm planting them tomorrow. That'll be ok wont it?
I've already dug my trenches. 15 inches deep, 4 inches of ancent horse manure at the bottom, on top of that some bone meal, then some compost mixed with pearlite to make the soil lighter with some chicken manure pellets mixed in. I made the compost into a ridge down the middle and will spread the spidery roots across them.
plants 18 inches apart and 30 to 35 inches between crowns on each row. I'll cover the crowns with about 3 or 4 inches of soil.
Is that all right? I'm keeping them in the crisper drawer till tomorrow.
I've also planted some seed in pots in case I have any dud crowns.
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brilliant advice. Just seen an offer for 10 Connover's Colossal crowns for £6.45. Very reasonable - anyone grown this variety before? It also advises growing 30-35 cm apart rather than the standard 45cm. All feedback welcome.
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Yes, Alan - a quote.
PS The one that got away.
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you also get lots of free trailing begonias with the jparkers crowns. If you like that sort of thing.
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DON'T get the crowns from JParker.
I just opened my box and only 2 were alive. I might just have been unlucky.
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if you dont want the corms Begonias ill have them
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the girlfriend likes them I'm afraid Daileg.
I'm just gonna try that kent asparagus place and ask for my money back from JParkers.
They've always been great for stuff, I must have been unlucky.
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DON'T get the crowns from JParker.
I just opened my box and only 2 were alive. I might just have been unlucky.
DON'T get the crowns from JParker.
I just opened my box and only 2 were alive. I might just have been unlucky.
If you are not replacing them, I'd plant them anyway - even in pots. I had some I thought were dead (kept in the fridge for 2 months!), but around 50% came back to life. A good soaking might help.
If you are still looking I've bought (other stuff, not asparagus) from Read's Nursery in the past and they might have some left, but I'd call first to check their condition.
http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/acatalog/Culinary_Vegetables_and_Herbs.html (http://www.readsnursery.co.uk/acatalog/Culinary_Vegetables_and_Herbs.html)
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......Add lime if the soil is very acid. If you have tested your soil these vegetables prefer a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Yes I'm rather surprised on my site to see that because we got a load of free woodchip a lot of people have used this on their asparagus beds. Don't be tempted to do this as it will acidify the soil. I've used old straw over my well rotted manure.
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good program on the potting shed this week about asparagus.
see here.....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00k6nws (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b00k6nws)
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Cheers for that Sawfish. I love the Scottish accent!!
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I'll be glad to see the back of Frieda Morrison, she was so annoying. She struck me as someone who wasn't remotely interested in gardening but just did the job.
14 years doing it and she was still clueless.
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my asparagus from asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/ have arrived. They look fantastic, so different from the JParkrs rubbish I got.
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Well thats my Gijnlim in. 10 Gijnlim, 4 Connovers Collossal and a couple of something else next year as I want to grow a couple of plants from seed. Total 16 plants, whats that, about 400 spears eventually Tim?
(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/stan.shepherd/downloads/asp.jpg)
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I'm in my 3 season with 15 Gijnlim from www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk,I also can't recommend them enough,excellent size crowns,four times bigger that the rubbish you see in garden centres etc.All crowns are producing well,I've cut over 80 spears so far this year and their still popping up.
Does anyone with experience think I should keep cutting a bit longer or should I let them grow now,being the third year I didn't want to put to much stress on them,I've been cutting for 4-5 weeks now.
Regards
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bump
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I'd leave it if you have had six weeks worth... :)
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Hi all
My asparagus crowns came today and I am going plant today i think. Want to check i have this right though:
Dig a trench a spade blade deep
mound up a couple of inches loose soil/compost/manure
place crowns on top
cover with 6-8" soil
Does that sound ok?
Also, would it be ok for me to sprinkle some fish, blood and bone over the surface of the bed too?
many thanks
Psi
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Yep, water the bottom of the trench if it's been dry. Skip the FBB if foxes are a problem in your area.. they will dig for it.. :)
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thanks saddad RE FBB - obvious now I see it! What should I use in it's place?
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Grass cuttings are good, or liquid manure of whatever sort. There's plenty of choice!
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bump
At only three years old I'd stop there TBH...... that said I love asparagus so I'm going to go for about 40 plants in the bed that I iwll be preparing this autumn for the seedlings that I've got in big modules ATM. Mostly that's so I get a big crop early on :D
chrisc
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FBB is better than just bonemeal... if you don't get much fox digging you would probably get away with it in the trench, not on the top. Bonemeal is far more popular, presumably a stronger smell! If you aren't "organic" some growmore is OK. :)
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I'll brew some liquid feed - possibly some couch soup. Is it worth mulching the bed? The local council deliver saw dust (cant really call it bark chippings) - would that work?
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bump
At only three years old I'd stop there TBH...... that said I love asparagus so I'm going to go for about 40 plants in the bed that I iwll be preparing this autumn for the seedlings that I've got in big modules ATM. Mostly that's so I get a big crop early on :D
chrisc
Thankyou for your advice,I will let it be till next spring now.
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bump
At only three years old I'd stop there TBH...... that said I love asparagus so I'm going to go for about 40 plants in the bed that I iwll be preparing this autumn for the seedlings that I've got in big modules ATM. Mostly that's so I get a big crop early on :D
chrisc
so thats 1000 spears a year then. Can you really stand your urine smelling weird over such a sustained period?
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'wierd'? Just smells like asparagus doesnt it? Not so weird.
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I'll brew some liquid feed - possibly some couch soup. Is it worth mulching the bed? The local council deliver saw dust (cant really call it bark chippings) - would that work?
Don't use bark chippings - they tend to be acidic. Better to mulch with grass cuttings or straw.
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excellent, i thought it might be an issue, I'll have a think on the mulch - today is D day for the asparagus - will be glad to get it in to be honest, then that bed is done and dusted for ever!
ta
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planted 1 year old crowns as of yesterday - trench a spade blade deep and mounded up at the bottom with a little manure, trench watered and then a little manure sprinkled over it and then back filled with soil. I gave it all a water then and I hope it goes well!
When am I likely to see some growth?
I plan a maintenance regime of liquid feed every few weeks (horse manure tea) and keeping it weed free. Is there anything else I ought to be doing?
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At this time of year, unless the crowns were very dry I'd expect to see growth within the week... :)
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just had a thought - i dug the trench, mounded up, put the crowns in and then filled the trench. Was I right to fill the whole trench? i.e the crowns are now a spade blades depth roughly.
psi
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just had a thought - i dug the trench, mounded up, put the crowns in and then filled the trench. Was I right to fill the whole trench? i.e the crowns are now a spade blades depth roughly.
psi
That's what I did last year, and they took ages to come through. They emerged eventually though. I'm still waiting to see them this year.
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i think i should have back filled over time rather than all at once? I might take a little soil away when I get a chance. Still, if yours came through Robert then hopefully I'll be ok? I hope! interestingly I've only seen one other plot growing asparagus - maybe they know something I dont!
Psi
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Hi all,
I have the same question. I planted 10 crowns in early April and completely filled the trench. Only 2 crowns have grown. Are the rest likely to appear? Is it worth digging out the trench slightly?
I have no idea with these and few people grow them. Any help would be most appreciated.
Thanks :)
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only cover the crowns with 2" of soil once planted as they take forever to come up be patient when they start cover the trench in a bit at a time untill the soil level is the same across the bed
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Welcome to A4A Wolverton... :)
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I spotted one somewhat slug nibbled, but very fat, spear emerging the other day. Doubtless the rest will follow.
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bump
At only three years old I'd stop there TBH...... that said I love asparagus so I'm going to go for about 40 plants in the bed that I iwll be preparing this autumn for the seedlings that I've got in big modules ATM. Mostly that's so I get a big crop early on :D
chrisc
so thats 1000 spears a year then. Can you really stand your urine smelling weird over such a sustained period?
Umm.... yes?... plus lots of asparagus soup to freeze :-)
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Sorry - forgot spacing.
Here's some professional advice...
'Planting asparagus crowns will reward you with up to 20 years of productive life.
Barn owl, have you been pleased with this variety?
Growing asparagus successfully you will need to have (or create) an area of free draining soil and plenty of space - it will lock up the bed for 10-20 years... but oh boy it will be well worth it!
When planting asparagus choose a shelterd sunny spot... strong winds can play havoc with the tall foliage which grows after the cropping period has ended.
Good drainage is essential - dig the bed thoroughly in the previous autumn/fall and dig in liberal amounts of well-rotted manure or compost. This will give the asparagus ferns access to all the nutrients they require as well as retaining moisture within the soil. Add lime if the soil is very acid. If you have tested your soil these vegetables prefer a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Dig a trench 20-25cm(8"-10") deep and 30cm(12") wide. The distance between trenches is open for debate but a good rule-of-thumb is if you have plenty of area then space the trenches 90cm(36") apart - if not then 45cm(18") will be fine. The soil you have dug out for the trench should be left along its edge as you will cover the crowns over a period of time - layer upon layer.
Space the crowns about 40cm(16") apart in the trenches on 5cm(2") high mounds of rotted compost or manure. These mounds are created only below each asparagus crown and the roots fanned out across them.'
So if you go for two lengthwise trenches, if my maths is right that would make about 18 crowns.
Don't want to knock B&Q but asparagus is a long term investment. You want to get the best quality you can, so make sure the crowns are in good condition.
For such a long term project the problem is there are quite a variety of Asparagus from Connovers Colossal (an old variety which has an AGM from the RHS) through more modern green varieties like Gijnlim and Pacific 2000 (both with good reviews) and purple varieties like Purple Pacific or Crimson Pacific to 'wild' varieties that are particularly slim. Also new hydrids are coming on to market all the time and they all get goo write-ups :)
I planted some Crimson Pacific a new variety from NZ (bought from Blackmoor Nursery) two weeks ago. It was just beginning to bud and spears are already up from 5 out of the 6. We already have conventional green asparagus and also I hope some of the wild Italian planted last year but that isn't showing up yet.
These chaps in Kent have had good reports in an earlier thread and stock Gijnlim but there may be quite a price differential to B&Q and they may not be selling anyway as it's a bit late (though a phone call might resolve that if you're determined).
http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/ (http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/)
I'm not certain, but the moment I think T&M are the only supplier providing Autumn planting crowns and T&M have had mixed reviews. However now that they have started other suppliers may join in.