GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post

11-05-2005, 12:02 PM

wrote:

wrote:
Hi - I purchased an asparagus crowns in the middle of April and planted
it out. The garden nursery said it was a two year old asparagus and
should crop this year, albeit lightly. I know its only been one month,
but it looks a bit spindly to me.

I think that's being very optimistic. If you eat this year's then
you'll not allow the asparagus to develop a lot.

We were told:-
First year take none, allow the plants to develop and establish
themselves.
Second year, take some.
Third year, should be in 'full production'.

Also, I just took the plant from its container and plonked it in the
ground with a bit of compost. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to
separate the spears - for the sake of not stressing the roots, I opted
not to. I'm now thinking that one plant (or crown?) will only feed me
one meal next year, which is a poor return - so perhaps I better go and
get a few more crowns. Or can I expect new spears to emerge from the
ground next year, and if so should I allow them to grow or nip them off

We got ten crowns, I think. About seven seem to have survived long
term, it gives us a meal or two but hardly a feast of asparagus.

We've been growing 5 crowns for about 8 years now. I totally agree with the
harvesting above. Certainly don't take any this year. It'll not be that
great anyway like you said. Patience is the order here. They do like well
drained, sandy soil, and are usually grown either in mounds or in raised
beds, our are in one foot high beds. I scatter a small amount of salt on
the soil every year because I read somewhere they love to live by the
seaside and benefit from a little salt each year, though I stress it is a
little salt.

The 5 crowns we have produce enough for maybe 5-6 starters each year for 4
people. Asparagus is a treat not a staple food stuff, and I think if I had
40 crowns I would soon tire of eating it nice as it is.

Anyway, 5 crowns in a raised bed about 5 foot long by 18 inches wide, and
it's going great gun.

Duncan