Table of Contents
But, if space is not an issue, 10-20 plants per person is a good start. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, site selection is going to be important. It’s not uncommon for asparagus plantings to last for 15+ years. It does best in well-drained soils that are in full sun.
How much asparagus do you get from one plant?
Each plant produces about 1/2 pound of asparagus spears each year, so plan on planting about five to 20 plants per person, advises the University of California.
How much asparagus should I plant for a family of 4?
Grown for its stems or spears, asparagus yields 8 to 10 pounds or more per 100 square feet of bed if tended well. For most home gardeners, a 20-foot row or 100 square feet of bed is adequate for a family of four. That’s equivalent to 20 planted crowns or 10 pounds of harvested asparagus per season.
What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?
If planted too close together, asparagus crowns will produce new stalks for only a few years. With enough space and good care, the crowns should last at least 20 years. Do stay ahead of the weeds; asparagus will give up instead of competing with them.
How many asparagus can you plant in a square foot?
How Many Asparagus Can Be Planted Per Square Foot? Traditional row spacing for asparagus crowns is 9 to 12 inches apart in a 12- to 18-inch-wide trench. In a square foot garden, each 12-inch square can hold two asparagus crowns.
Does asparagus multiply?
When asparagus plants are growing in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time. The ability of asparagus plants to multiply means that sharing the bounty is part of the fun of growing this perennial vegetable.
How far apart should asparagus be planted?
Plant seed in spring, about one inch deep, spaced two to three inches apart, within rows that are a foot apart. Seeds can take three weeks to germinate. Keep the nursery bed free from weeds, as the asparagus seedlings will not be able to compete with strong weed growth.
Where should I plant asparagus in my garden?
The best planting spot is sunny but sheltered (picture a garden patch protected by mature trees). Plants crowns so they leaves are clear of the soil. You can plant as soon as you can work the soil, but stay vigilant with the blankets in case of freak spring cold snaps. Make sure the soil drains well.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
Is it too late to plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus crowns in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Many gardeners plant at about the same time as potatoes go in the ground. Asparagus is usually grown from 1-year-old plants called “crowns,” but it can also be grown from seed.
Can you plant asparagus 12 inches apart?
Dig the planting area at least 6- to 12-inches deep and about 12-inches wide. Space individual asparagus plants 12- to 18-inches apart for room to grow. After digging, but before planting, combine any soil additives needed (like compost, aged manure, fertilizer, etc.) with some of the top soil.
What can you not plant near asparagus?
There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus: Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth. Potatoes. Asparagus, on the other hand, stunts the growth of potatoes when they share the same space.
How close can I plant asparagus in a raised bed?
In a raised bed, you don’t have to space the “rows” so far apart! Because you can walk around your bed easily, there is no need for large rows to access your plants. You can simply space the asparagus crowns 18 inches apart from every other plant.
Why does asparagus grow in ditches?
Wild asparagus generally grow in ditches or along fences, at least in Iowa where I grew up. Asparagus regularly grows in the ditch with weeds and bramble so it gets mixed in easily and makes it very hard to see, so be prepared for a true hunt!Mar 29, 2017.
How many pounds is an acre of asparagus?
STAND LONGEVITY, YIELDS & MARKETS. Growers expected stands to maintain peak yields of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds per acre, with an average of 4,000 pounds per acre for 6 years.
How do you grow asparagus in Zone 9?
Plant crowns (roots) 20-40cm apart and a few cm (1 inch) deep in well manured soil. The asparagus shoots grow in spring. Harvest the shoots which are bigger than 1-2cm/half-inch in diameter. Leave the rest to grow into the leafy ferns (1.5m/5-6ft tall) which will feed the crowns to give a crop next year.
Should I let my asparagus go to seed?
Comments for Asparagus Plants Have Gone to Seed Don’t cut them back until autumn if you miss the cutting season, just let them grow.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?
Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves. The grounds also add some nitrogen, which is a regular nutrition need of asparagus.
Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
After the end of the harvest season, allow the spears to grow. A spear is really just a plant shoot. And the shoots will grow into the mature fern that recharges the crown for the next harvest season. When harvest finishes, snap all the spears off at ground level and apply fertilizers (organic or synthetic).