Asparagus question

[caroline7758]

I was very excited to find some shoots on my asparagus this morning as I really didn't think they would have survived the winter (some haven't but hey!). However I then read that i should have earthed them up before the shoots appeared. should I cover the shoots (they are only about half an inch) or leave it?

[caroline7758]

[goodlife]

You can still earth them up if you think the soil level above the crown is bit shallow. Commercially they are grown in slightly elevated mounds..to make sure the crown is not standing on wet soil and to make the rows noticeable for maintenance and picking.
I've just earthed up mine only couple of hours ago and gave the plants little bit of feed and compost-grit mixture to perk the young plants up for good new growth.
AND..just been shopping on Ebay too and ordered some MORE crowns...

[small]

I don't routinely earth mine up, just shove some compost on occasionally because they do seem to climb out of the soil a bit. And I wouldn't give up with any of them yet, only about half mine have got started so far, although I usually manage a picking in the first week of April. It's been a long cold time!

[cleo]

No sign of mine yet-it`s a bed that is happy( last year was my first ever home grown)but sad-I always assumed Jenny would share it.

5 years is a long time

[gavinjconway]

I was very excited to find some shoots on my asparagus this morning as I really didn't think they would have survived the winter (some haven't but hey!). However I then read that i should have earthed them up before the shoots appeared. should I cover the shoots (they are only about half an inch) or leave it?

Caroline it's still rather early for them to pop through so dont panic thinking that you may have lost a few.. they are probably still hibernating!! They are tough old plants so will hopefully all survive.

Mulching with a thin layer is good just as a water retention but if you want want anemic white looking spears then mulch/earth up about 6-8" high so they dont see the sun - (sis .. just my opinion)  The sun makes them green and tastier via photosynthesis..

[planetearth]

Spread any spent grow bags over them.

They will certainly survive the heaviest frosts.

You will notice the rocket after a good drenching.