Asparagus and salt??

[undercarriage plan]

Talking to my old boy today about aspragus, , and he advised me that when I cut it back and mulch it for the winter, I also ought to put rock salt over the top? Has anyone ever heard of this/done this? If so why, and what is the effect. Or has he realized the huge potential I have for being wound up, pointed in the right direction and let loose  ::) Thanks, Lottie ;D

[undercarriage plan]

[redimp]

Interesting:

http://www.saltinstitute.org/asparagus.html

[undercarriage plan]

Redclanger, you're a star  Was beginning to think noone would know! Was thinking about dressing mulch with seaweed from river, I think will give it ago. Read your link and seems to be beneficial. Thanks so much. Lottie  ;D
Another blessed job....seaweed gathering!

[jennym]

Hey that really is interesting, wil try that on my asparagus too.

[tim]

Never seen that evidence before.

So, that means 3.5oz/sqyd?  Shall we try it on all or do a 50/50 trial??

But rock salt? Which of the 5 types? Why not sea salt?

Obviously cost will play a major part?  Maybe our water softener salt will do.

[undercarriage plan]

I'm going to attempt seaweed route, I think.  Though still a bit concerned about destroping whole crop!!! Lottie

[Icyberjunkie]

I was seaweed as well Lottie but makwe sure its above high tide so your not killing any beasties using it as a home!  Apparently it works wanders for the asparagus which is naturally a seaside plant anyway and because of the salt helps keep the weeds down.  It does rather awful though to start with so I've been told....

[Icyberjunkie]

I mean I was 'told about' seaweed.  Don't think I've ever actually been seaweed as I said above.  doh!  Thinks I need a new keyboard.... ;D

[undercarriage plan]

Was stumped when read first bit Icy!! Been thinking about this, won't the salt from the seaweed leach into the surrounding soil and affect other crops? How far will it leach if it does leach? Well you know what I mean!   ::) Lottie  ;D

[Icyberjunkie]

No idea Lottie!!  All I know is that you need to be careful....not very helpful really but if it makes for less weeding I am definately going to try it this autumn when the first storm has been through after they've been cut back

[undercarriage plan]

Is your asparagus bed near any other crops then, Icy? Think will wait and see what happens to yours..... ;) Lottie  ;D

[tim]

Having grown commercially in Jersey (father) - I wouldn't worry too much?

http://www.thisisjersey.com/code/showarticle.pl?ArticleID=000462

[Icyberjunkie]

Thanks for that Tim as it also answered another question about what types of weed to use but from that it looks like most will do!

Is your asparagus bed near any other crops then, Icy? Think will wait and see what happens to yours..... ;) Lottie ;D

Yes it is.  My bed runs the full side of my current patch and so it right next to everything at some point!

[undercarriage plan]

Thanks for link, Tim. Luckily, live right near river so will go collecting when have time, won't hurt any Little river creatures Icy, promise. ;D OK, before I change mind again, will definitely try it.... Lottie  ;D