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Early spring (April) is the best time to plant asparagus in Michigan. Asparagus crowns should be planted in shallow trenches after the days have warmed to about 50 degrees. The planting depth depends on the soil type. Asparagus crowns should be planted six inches deep in sandy soils and five inches deep in clay soils.
Is asparagus hard to grow?
Not only is it easy to grow and maintain but it’s a perennial crop as well. So with one year of planting, you can set yourself up for years and years of future harvests. In fact, a single planting of asparagus crowns can keep on producing for 20 years or more. Now that is a serious return on a little planting effort!Apr 29, 2021.
What is the best asparagus to grow in Michigan?
Michigan grows mostly hybrid asparagus, chiefly Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme and Jersey Gem out of the Rutgers University breeding program in New Jersey.
Where is the best place to plant asparagus?
Asparagus plants have deep root systems. Avoid areas with shallow soils, or soils prone to water-saturation. If the asparagus bed is to be part of a larger vegetable garden, the best place is at the north end of the garden, so that the tall ferns do not shade the other crops.
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Site – Full sun is ideal. Asparagus needs at least 8 hours of sun per day. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial, do not plant where trees or tall shrubs might eventually shade the plants or compete for nutrients and water.
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.
Can you grow asparagus in a greenhouse?
Studies conducted by our team from 2007 to 2011 have shown that healthy and vigorous asparagus transplants can be produced in the greenhouse in 10 to 12 weeks using trays with 38 to 84 cells.
Where does asparagus grow in Michigan?
Nestled on Michigan’s west coast, the majority of Michigan asparagus is grown in Oceana County, the Asparagus Capitol of the World! Hart, Michigan is home to the National Asparagus Festival and our very own Asparagus Queen.
Does asparagus like wet soil?
Asparagus Asparagus is a common garden crop that can tolerate soil that is temporarily wet. You won’t want to keep it totally submerged by any means, but you can get by with planting this perennial vegetable in somewhat damp soil. In fact, you’ll often find asparagus growing wild in ditches.
Can asparagus be planted in a container?
Ample garden space is key to growing healthy asparagus, as the plant’s root system can grow quite large. Whether gardening on a small apartment balcony or simply not in the position to plant long-term perennials, asparagus may also be grown in containers.
Does asparagus grow well in containers?
Because asparagus is a perennial vegetable that requires at least two years to become established and reach maturity, it needs a permanent space in the garden landscape. For this reason, asparagus isn’t usually recommended for container planting. Most containers are not large enough for growing asparagus.
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 long does it take asparagus to grow?
Even though it takes asparagus plants three years to fully mature, it’ll be well worth it when you have a bounty of nutritious spears at your disposal. Now, here’s everything you need to know about growing asparagus, whether you start from seed or spear.
How many asparagus plants should I plant?
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.
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.
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.
Does asparagus need support?
Once the asparagus plant starts getting tall, it will lean on the tomato cage for support. The other option is to use a trellis but you need to tie the asparagus plant to it with a twine once the plant starts growing tall. You can also stake each asparagus plant as it grows with the help of twine.
Does asparagus produce the first year?
The first year after planting, you can harvest a few spears from each plant. Pick for about two weeks and then stop so the fronds can unfold and begin feeding the root system. Harvest for three weeks the next year, and four to six weeks after that.
