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Starting Asparagus From Seed Plant the seeds between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch deep in drills. Space rows about 18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart within rows. Spread 3 inches of straw mulch over the bed to help suppress weed competition and protect the tender asparagus seedlings.
When can I transplant asparagus seedlings?
Seedlings are ready to transplant when they are 10 to 12 weeks old and all danger of frost in your area has passed. Space the transplants 18 inches (46 cm.) apart in rows set 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.) apart.
What do I do with asparagus seedlings?
Sow them singly into modules filled with seed compost. Harden them off and transplant into their final positions in early June. Prepare the planting site by weeding thoroughly, then dig in at least one bucketful of organic matter, such as garden compost or well-rotted farmyard manure, every square metre/yard.
How do you plant new asparagus?
Young asparagus plants will grow here for their first year. The site for the asparagus nursery should be level and have sandy soil. 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.
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.
Can I move established asparagus?
While asparagus can be transplanted any time during dormancy, early spring is the most suitable, just before plants have begun waking up. It’s this complex root system that makes asparagus so difficult to transplant, as their entangled roots are not easily removed.
Can you grow asparagus in containers?
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.
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.
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.
Does asparagus need full sun?
Growing Conditions 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.
Is asparagus easy 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.
How much space do you need for asparagus?
Rows of asparagus should be at least 2 feet apart, allowing two rows to fit in a 4-foot wide bed. For every 8 feet of row space, you will need about a wheelbarrow filled two-thirds of the way with equal parts of the excavated soil and compost.
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.
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.
Do asparagus plants spread?
Because asparagus is a perennial, you’ll need to pick an out-of-the-way spot in the vegetable garden without competing plants. Asparagus also needs space, about 4 to 5 feet for each plant. They won’t spread out much the first couple of years, but once established they will quickly fill in.
Why is my asparagus so skinny?
Thin asparagus spears appear for a number of reasons, but the root cause is ultimately the same: the asparagus crown lacks the rigor to create bigger shoots. Improper Feeding – Asparagus are somewhat heavy feeders and need all the food they can get in order to build strong spears the following year.
What grows well with asparagus?
Plants to Grow With Asparagus Nightshades, like tomatoes and eggplant. Basil and parsley. Coriander, comfrey, and dill. Members of the Aster family, like marigolds and nasturtiums.
