Asparagus is one of the most valuable of the early garden vegetables
and is adaptable to freezer storage. It is a perennial vegetable
that does fairly well in Central Alabama.
Asparagus may be started from seed, but starting from year-old crowns
is recommended. Set crowns out in the early spring. Soil type
determines planting depth. A common planting method is to dig a trench
6 to 8 inches wide and about as deep. Plant at the shallower depth
if your soil is heavy. Incorporate rotted manure or compost in the
bottom of the trench before setting the crowns 15 to 18 inches apart in
rows 36 to 48 inches apart. Place the crowns on top of a small amount
of loose soil in the bottom of the trench. Spread the roots out and
cover the crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the plants begin
to grow, pull the soil in around crowns and cover them until the trench
is filled.
Do not harvest asparagus shoots or spears until the second year after
the crowns are planted. This is necessary for the fleshy root system
to develop and to store food reserves for growth the following year.
Plants harvested too early after planting
become weak and spindly. After the third year of growth, harvesting
usually can continue for 6 to 8 weeds. Stop harvesting during the
late spring and allow the ferns to grow. After the first hard winter
freeze, cut the plants back to ground level to allow new growth and development
of tender spears.
Harvest the spears daily when they are 5 to 7 inches tall. Cut
the spears off below the soil surface. Harvest in the early morning
and use or refrigerate immediately. |
