Asparagus

After some trial and error, I found a place in my yard that asparagus does well. These plants are on their third year. According to information, they should all have been ready to pick this past spring. However, they were not happy in their home the first year (a bathtub planter) so I moved them. In retrospect, a planter, no matter how large is a dumb place to plant asparagus. The root system of an asparagus plant can spread 6' in any direction away from the plant. The asparagus plant shown in the photos above is my best plant. I did pick one shoot and eat it straightaway. It was absolutely delectable! I promised myself (and the plant) that I wouldn't pick any more until next year. By then the plants should be well established and I will be able to harvest spears over an 8 - 10 week period before allowing the plant to rest. Resting the asparagus is important, because the spears turn into large frond like leaves. Just like the leaves in other plants, they are responsible for manufacturing energy which strengthens the plant. Asparagus plants are members of the family Liliaceae (lily family) and just like their cousins, they are capable of storing energy in their root mass.

Asparagus planting and harvest tips (taken from 'The Gardeners A-Z Guide to Growing Food' and my own experience)

• plant asparagus in well amended soil where there is plenty of room for root expansion



• water needs: heavy



• time to harvest 2-3 years (depending on environmental factors)



• do not harvest until the plant consistently produces many spears that 3/8" thick



• in the deep south compost with 1 inch of compost in the spring AND in the fall



• stop harvesting when the plant consistently produces many spears that are LESS THAN 3/8" thick (usually after harvesting over a period of 4-10 weeks)

Ya'll have fun!

Suzanne ;-)