Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in a raised bed. It is a perennial vegetable, meaning that it can be harvested for several years. Managing asparagus for the first year is important for a successful harvest. It is also important to know what should and should not be planted near asparagus, when to let it flower, when to cut it down when it goes to seed, how to make it grow thicker, how far down to cut it, and what kind of fertilizer to use. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you get the most out of your asparagus crop. Additionally, understanding how much fertilizer is necessary to keep your asparagus healthy is also important. This article will provide all the information you need to successfully grow asparagus in a raised bed.
Will asparagus survive in a raised bed?
Yes, asparagus can survive in a raised bed. Raised beds provide excellent drainage and soil quality, which is essential for asparagus to thrive. Asparagus prefers full sun and soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Raised beds can easily be amended with compost or fertilizer to meet the needs of asparagus. Additionally, raised beds can be easily covered with mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds. With the right soil, sun, and moisture, asparagus will thrive in a raised bed.
How do you manage asparagus for the first year?
The first year of managing asparagus is an important one as it sets the stage for future harvests. It is important to select a site with well-draining soil and full sun. Plant the crowns in early spring, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Mulch the bed with several inches of organic material, such as straw or grass clippings. Asparagus should be watered deeply and regularly throughout the growing season. Fertilize the plants in early spring and again in late summer with a balanced fertilizer. During the first growing season, allow the asparagus ferns to grow and develop without harvesting. In the second year, you can begin harvesting lightly.
Can I grow asparagus from store bought asparagus?
Yes, you can grow asparagus from store bought asparagus! To do so, you should select asparagus spears that are firm and have tight tips. Cut off the woody ends and plant the asparagus spears about 6 inches deep in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Water the asparagus bed regularly and keep it weed-free. It may take up to three years before your asparagus is ready to harvest, but once it is, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious crop of asparagus for many years to come.
What should not be planted near asparagus?
When planting asparagus, it is important to consider what other plants should not be planted near it. Tomatoes, potatoes, and rhubarb should not be planted near asparagus as they are all members of the same plant family and can lead to disease and nutrient competition. Additionally, onions and garlic should not be planted near asparagus as they can stunt its growth. Finally, it is best to avoid planting any type of legume near asparagus, such as peas, beans, and clover, as they can rob the asparagus of nitrogen.
Should you let asparagus flower?
Yes, you should let asparagus flower. Allowing asparagus to flower helps to ensure a healthy and productive plant. When asparagus flowers, it produces seeds that contain valuable genetic information and can be used to produce stronger and more productive plants. Additionally, the flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators, which can help to improve the overall health of the asparagus patch. Finally, the flowers are beautiful and can add a decorative touch to your garden.
Should you cut down asparagus when it goes to seed?
Yes, you should cut down asparagus when it goes to seed. This is because when asparagus goes to seed, it uses up the energy it has stored in its roots, which can weaken the plant and reduce the yield of spears in the future. Cutting down the seed stalks also allows the plant to focus its energy on producing more spears for harvest. Additionally, if the seeds are not removed, the plant may spread and become invasive in the area.
How do you make asparagus grow thicker?
To make asparagus grow thicker, it is important to fertilize the plant regularly. A balanced fertilizer with a high nitrogen content is best for asparagus. Additionally, it is important to keep the soil moist and mulch the asparagus bed to help retain moisture. If the asparagus bed is overcrowded, thinning the plants will help them grow thicker. Asparagus also needs plenty of sunlight, so make sure the bed is in a sunny location and there is adequate air circulation. Finally, it is important to harvest the spears regularly to encourage the plant to produce more.
How far down do you cut asparagus?
When cutting asparagus, you should cut off the bottom 1-2 inches of the stalk. This is the woody end that is tough and fibrous. Cutting off the bottom of the stalk will help the asparagus cook evenly and make it easier to eat. It is also important to keep the stalks uniform in size so they cook evenly. After cutting off the bottom of the stalk, you can then trim the tips of the asparagus if desired.
What kind of fertilizer do you use for asparagus?
When fertilizing asparagus, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer is ideal for asparagus. It is also important to avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of the spears. If a soil test reveals that the soil is deficient in any of the three major nutrients, a fertilizer with a higher concentration of that nutrient can be used. For instance, if the soil is low in phosphorus, a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus, such as 5-10-5, can be used.
Does asparagus need a lot of fertilizer?
No, asparagus does not need a lot of fertilizer. In fact, it is best to fertilize asparagus sparingly, as too much fertilizer can actually decrease the yield of the crop. Asparagus prefers a soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Adding compost or aged manure to the soil before planting is usually sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients. If the soil is very poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial.
In conclusion, asparagus can survive in a raised bed, but it is important to manage it properly for the first year by not planting anything near it and cutting it down when it goes to seed. To make asparagus grow thicker, it should be cut down about 6 inches from the ground and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer. It does not need a lot of fertilizer, but it should be given enough to keep it healthy. Store bought asparagus can be used to grow asparagus, but it is best to start with fresh asparagus from a local farmer’s market.