How to grow asparagus
The asparagus plant has been cultivated for thousands of years and was employed by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as a medicine.
It is considered that asparagus can remedy kidney and rheumatic problems as well as lowering blood pressure and ridding the body of excess water. Asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins including vitamins A, B and C and sulphur, potassium and manganese.
It is considered that asparagus can remedy kidney and rheumatic problems as well as lowering blood pressure and ridding the body of excess water. Asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins including vitamins A, B and C and sulphur, potassium and manganese.
The asparagus plant is a hardy perennial, which means that it returns year upon year. When growing from seed, the plant will take 3 years to establish, which can be very time consuming, however, most gardeners generally plant 1-year old crowns, so that a harvest can be produced within a shorter time of 2 years. Although, this method takes less time, there is a 10% chance of failure.
In ancient times the stalk of the asparagus plant was discarded and only the roots were consumed, but nowadays, we tend to eat the stalks or spears, as they are more commonly known, even though all parts of the plant are in fact edible.
In ancient times the stalk of the asparagus plant was discarded and only the roots were consumed, but nowadays, we tend to eat the stalks or spears, as they are more commonly known, even though all parts of the plant are in fact edible.
Types of asparagus
There are a number of different varieties of the asparagus plant that range in length, width and colour. The pale yellow asparagus that has a thick stem and a delicate flavour is very common in Europe and is typically sold in jars. It is often added to salads.
Green asparagus is extremely common and can range from very thin stems to quite thick ones. There is also a purple type of asparagus, which is slightly less common, and of course wild asparagus, which grows freely in certain areas across Europe.
Green asparagus is extremely common and can range from very thin stems to quite thick ones. There is also a purple type of asparagus, which is slightly less common, and of course wild asparagus, which grows freely in certain areas across Europe.
Soil conditions for growing asparagus
Asparagus should be cultivated in a light, sandy and free-draining soil that has a pH of approximately 6.5 - 7.5. The plant does not like acidic soils, although the acidity can be remedied with lime; nor does it like heavy soils such as clay, unless they are well prepared in advance, thoroughly dug through with plenty of organic matter and possibly some sand or grit to aid drainage.
The crowns will need plenty of space and don't forget that the spot will be a permanent one, as the asparagus plant will generate new spears for up to 20 years.
The crowns will need plenty of space and don't forget that the spot will be a permanent one, as the asparagus plant will generate new spears for up to 20 years.
Climate conditions for growing asparagus
Asparagus prefers a sunny spot that is protected from winds and that receives full sun throughout the day. It is important to know that frost will damage the plant and could destroy the whole crop.
Soil preparation for asparagus
As the asparagus will stay in the same plot for many years, it is important that the bed is prepared as best as possible. Preparation of the area should begin in autumn, even though planting will start in April.
Dig the soil to a spade's depth, turning and loosening the soil and add plenty of organic matter such as compost or manure. Ensure that all weeds, debris and stones are removed and add lime if necessary. A week before planting, rake a general fertiliser into the top layer of the soil.
Dig the soil to a spade's depth, turning and loosening the soil and add plenty of organic matter such as compost or manure. Ensure that all weeds, debris and stones are removed and add lime if necessary. A week before planting, rake a general fertiliser into the top layer of the soil.
Planting the asparagus crowns
Asparagus crowns are generally planted some time in April. Try to ensure that the frosts have disappeared or cover the crowns with a fleece.
As the roots of the asparagus crown tend to spread horizontally and also reach a good depth, it is important that they have plenty of room around them to establish and develop.
First of all, dig a trench approximately 30cm (1ft) wide and 25cm (10inch) deep. Fill the bottom 8cm (3inch) with compost or well-rotted manure and then cover with soil so that a ridge is formed across the centre.
Place the asparagus crown on top of the ridge and hang the roots over the sides. The crown should be about 8cm (3inch) under ground. Cover loosely with soil so that the tip of the crown is protruding.
Continue planting the crowns allowing 45cm (18inch) between each plant.
As the roots of the asparagus crown tend to spread horizontally and also reach a good depth, it is important that they have plenty of room around them to establish and develop.
First of all, dig a trench approximately 30cm (1ft) wide and 25cm (10inch) deep. Fill the bottom 8cm (3inch) with compost or well-rotted manure and then cover with soil so that a ridge is formed across the centre.
Place the asparagus crown on top of the ridge and hang the roots over the sides. The crown should be about 8cm (3inch) under ground. Cover loosely with soil so that the tip of the crown is protruding.
Continue planting the crowns allowing 45cm (18inch) between each plant.
Caring for the asparagus plant
As with other crops, once the asparagus has been planted, very little care is needed, so you can sit back and relax while your asparagus develops and grows.
The asparagus crowns are left for two years before they are harvested and spears are removed in the third year. Until then just ensure that weeds are removed, preferably by hand and that the plants are given water in the dry months - they generally don't need any additional water apart from rainwater at other times of the year.
A general fertiliser should be applied twice a year, in mid-March and again in mid-October or so. At this latter time of the year the leaves of the plant will begin to turn a yellow-brown, and when this happens the plant should be trimmed down so that it sits approximately 5cm - 10cm (2inch - 5inch) above the ground.
As the plants grow taller you may want to support them with canes or stakes in order to protect them from the wind.
Any debris should be removed carefully by hand, particularly leaves or stones where pests such as slugs or asparagus beetles might hide.
The asparagus crowns are left for two years before they are harvested and spears are removed in the third year. Until then just ensure that weeds are removed, preferably by hand and that the plants are given water in the dry months - they generally don't need any additional water apart from rainwater at other times of the year.
A general fertiliser should be applied twice a year, in mid-March and again in mid-October or so. At this latter time of the year the leaves of the plant will begin to turn a yellow-brown, and when this happens the plant should be trimmed down so that it sits approximately 5cm - 10cm (2inch - 5inch) above the ground.
As the plants grow taller you may want to support them with canes or stakes in order to protect them from the wind.
Any debris should be removed carefully by hand, particularly leaves or stones where pests such as slugs or asparagus beetles might hide.
Harvesting the asparagus plant
As mentioned previously, the asparagus plant is left to develop for 2 years before stalks can be harvested during the third year.
The harvesting takes place during an 8-week period between May and June when the plants are approximately 15cm (6inch) tall. During the first year of harvesting only remove 6 - 8 spears per plant. This number can be doubled the following year and from thereon. Cut the spears with a sharp knife at approximately 2.5cm (1inch) below the surface and try to harvest every 1 - 2 days.
Asparagus should be consumed as fresh as possible or if you want to freeze the spears, blanch in boiling water before doing so.
The harvesting takes place during an 8-week period between May and June when the plants are approximately 15cm (6inch) tall. During the first year of harvesting only remove 6 - 8 spears per plant. This number can be doubled the following year and from thereon. Cut the spears with a sharp knife at approximately 2.5cm (1inch) below the surface and try to harvest every 1 - 2 days.
Asparagus should be consumed as fresh as possible or if you want to freeze the spears, blanch in boiling water before doing so.
