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Asparagus Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”-2”
Row Spacing:3’-5’
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:60°-75°F
Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. Start indoors as transplants 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1⁄2" deep with 60° to 75°F temperatures, strong light, good air circulation and uniformly moist soil until seedlings emerge. After all danger of frost has passed, harden plants off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Direct-sow 1" to 2" deep and 1" to 2" apart in a nursery bed. Thin or transplant out 3" to 5" apart once seedlings are large enough to handle. Asparagus is a heavy feeder: amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. In late summer, transplant 10" to 15" apart and 6" to 8" deep in a permanent asparagus patch with well-aerated, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Don’t pick heavily until the fourth year. Harvest by cutting 6" spears at soil level without injury to the roots.
Asparagus Forever
In spring, Asparagus is the star of the show, its spears popping up like daffodils. But after the spectacular feast, it’s easy to forget that the plants are still growing, with needs just as pressing as those of annual crops. The care you give Asparagus after it bears will insure a good harvest next year.
Removing weeds is paramount, especially rhizomatous grasses that can become entwined with the roots. A thick mulch of spoiled hay will inhibit most weeds, and also help keep the soil moist between waterings. Irrigate the bed in dry weather, and nutrients from the hay will trickle down into the soil and add fertility as well.
Your Own Asparagus Mine
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
Planting Depth:1”-2”
Row Spacing:3’-5’
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:60°-75°F
Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. Start indoors as transplants 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1⁄2" deep with 60° to 75°F temperatures, strong light, good air circulation and uniformly moist soil until seedlings emerge. After all danger of frost has passed, harden plants off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Direct-sow 1" to 2" deep and 1" to 2" apart in a nursery bed. Thin or transplant out 3" to 5" apart once seedlings are large enough to handle. Asparagus is a heavy feeder: amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. In late summer, transplant 10" to 15" apart and 6" to 8" deep in a permanent asparagus patch with well-aerated, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Don’t pick heavily until the fourth year. Harvest by cutting 6" spears at soil level without injury to the roots.
Asparagus Forever
In spring, Asparagus is the star of the show, its spears popping up like daffodils. But after the spectacular feast, it’s easy to forget that the plants are still growing, with needs just as pressing as those of annual crops. The care you give Asparagus after it bears will insure a good harvest next year.
Removing weeds is paramount, especially rhizomatous grasses that can become entwined with the roots. A thick mulch of spoiled hay will inhibit most weeds, and also help keep the soil moist between waterings. Irrigate the bed in dry weather, and nutrients from the hay will trickle down into the soil and add fertility as well.
Your Own Asparagus Mine
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
