How to grow asparagus

Asparagus or Asparagus officinalis belongs to the lily family. It has been cultivated for over 2000 years and is a major source of rich nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, thiamine and riboflavin. Being a perennial plant, asparagus can be produced for several years, provided it is planted and maintained properly. It has compact stems also known as rhizomes and underground storage roots. These rhizomes and underground storage roots produce edible shoots known as asparagus spears. If these spears are not harvested on time then there are high risks of them turning into fern like bushes, measuring 4 feet or more. This foliage produces carbohydrates that are stored in the roots of the plant.

Asparagus has male as well as female plants. Both types flower and the female asparagus plants produce small red berries during the fall. However, the female plants do not last for a longer time when compared to the male plants.

Asparagus is found in various varieties, the oldest variety being the Martha Washington. In comparison to it, the Mary Washington variety is relatively a newer and improved version. Apart from these two varieties, there is also a third variety called Purple Passion which is rich in sugar content. In the past few years, several hybrid varieties of the vegetable have been released. These varieties produce nearly all male plants. The yield is therefore considerably increased because the male plants produce 20 to 25 percent more than the female plants.

If you are planning to grow asparagus at home, you should know that it is one of the best vegetables that can be grown indoors. You can locate the plantings to the side of your garden with other perennial plants such as brambles, strawberries and rhubarbs. It is always advisable to plant your asparagus in a sunlit place where it can receive at least seven to eight hours of sunlight. When it comes to the soil requirements, the good news for asparagus growers is that this plant can survive in almost any well drained soil. The best soil, however, is the deep and loose one. Experts caution asparagus growers against using shallow soils or the heavy textured clays. This is because such soils restrict the root development of the plant and cause root rots. Sandy soils are also unsuitable for asparagus growth because such soils do not retain enough moisture in them. Soils that warm quickly during spring help promote an early harvest. This however, may be a drawback because the developing asparagus spears grow quite slowly during winter and are killed by the freeze. According to most experts, soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 are best suited for asparagus cultivation. Before you planting, it is advisable to take a soil sample that can help you to determine the potash, lime and phosphate levels of the soil. In addition to this, before the spears start to emerge and post harvesting supplement the fertilizer with about 1 pound of ammonium nitrate to retain the fertility of the soil.

Many asparagus growers are recommended to plant during the early spring. It is generally believed that February and early March are the best months to plant asparagus. Although asparagus can be planted from seeds, most home gardeners refrain from opting for this option. This is because the asparagus seeds take a long time to germinate. In addition, it is quite difficult to control the weeds. Owing to these factors, home gardeners usually purchase the 1 year old dormant crowns. Purchasing these is a viable option because it reduces the time before harvest by 1 year. Therefore, the asparagus grower is not required to pay close attention to the small seedlings in the first year.

There is always a risk of damage caused by weeds to the asparagus plants. To achieve best results, it is extremely important to control this problem in time. For this, it is very important to provide full field sanitation. Weeds can be removed using a cultivator, rototiller or a hoe. However, it is essential to ensure that the cultivation is shallow to prevent any harm to the roots. Organic mulches are also quite helpful in controlling the weed problem. These also help in retaining the moisture. Asparagus growers are recommended to apply a 2 inch layer during the fall soon after the foliage dies. This helps reduce weeds all through the year. It is also important to avoid using table salts or any other form of salt to control the weeds. This is because salts reduce yields and shorten the lifespan of the plant considerably.

Apart from the weed problem, asparagus plantings are also susceptible to insect attacks. Asparagus beetles are quite common. These insects are generally ¼ inches long and affect the asparagus plantings most severely. To control this problem, asparagus growers are advised to remove the old foliage as soon as it is affected by a freezing temperature. There are also quite a few home garden chemicals that can be used to get rid of the asparagus beetles.

To get the best yield from your asparagus planting, it is always advisable to avoid harvesting in the first year itself. In the second year, the asparagus grower should go for a light harvest that ensures high yield. It is also considered a good idea to harvest by removing the spears off at the ground when they are about 6 to 8 inches long. This is recommended because it ensures that there is minimal damage caused to the still to emerge spears. In winter, it is recommended to harvest every alternative day while during summer, the asparagus grower should harvest everyday to ensure that the spears do not grow too tall. In case too many spindly spears start appearing, it will be best to stop harvesting that season. At such times, additional fertilizers may be required and the harvesting season may have to be shortened in the coming years.

As far as fertilizing is concerned, asparagus being a fertilizer tolerant crop is compatible with fertilizer applications. To achieve best results, it is recommended that a nitrogen fertilizer is applied twice a year.