Asparagus bed

[peanut]

Can anyone advise me on the size of bed I would need for 10 Asparagus crowns?
And what are your favourite varieties?

many thanks

[Two_Sheds]

My fav.variety is the free one that my neighbour gave me... 5 x two year old crowns, v.generous of him.
I've put them a foot apart

[Paulottie]

Hi peanut,

Dangerous question, I have been known to waffle for hours on this, my favourite subject and veg.

Firstly prepare your site well- this crop will be in there for 30 years. Don't even think of planting in a site with perennial weeds. Then plants should be 3/400mm apart. so a 3 or 4 metre x500mm single trench or adouble trench or 2m x 1m should do it. Trench should be 200mm deep. You need to read up on this really.this months GYO mag (May)has a good article. We recently had a thread going on filling in trenches. Don't let your crowns dry out.

I grow a few dutch (Nearly!)all male hybrids of which my favorite is 'backlim.' I started with two year old crowns I think.

[peanut]

Thanks for the advice.
I think I might be in trouble before I start as I want to grow them in my garden by taking up an area of lawn, trouble is I have Horsetail peppered thoughout the garden.
Do you think I would be able to grow them in a 2m x 1m raised bed? My thinking is it would be easier to keep on top of the weeds.

I only moved to this area last June so I could have a good sized garden south facing garden with good soil! didn't spot the Horsetail at the time!

[Madasafish]

I grow 12 plants in an area 1x1.5 metre... lots of compost and chicken manure. Very cramped.. slightly shaded .NOT a raised bed,

Very good crops...
Proves asparagus produce anywhere

[Paulottie]

They're tough plants.... But marestail, It's a horses a*se! It will grow through anything. I'd wait till next year and try and get rid of it this and prepare the bed really well this autumn. You need to break waxy coating by grinding with stones. put it in palccy bag and spray systemic weedkiller into the bag then put laccy band on. It can travel a long way too. if bed is infested with it before you start you'll be lost. Also you want to get rid of chaffers and leather jackets etc often in unbroken grassland

I don't want to be negative and all my opinion of course, but your patience will be rewarded....good things come to those who wait.

[peanut]

Thanks Paulottie,

Think I'll take your advice and wait till next year, I'm probably trying to run before I can walk, so I'll get on with everything else and just start to prepare somewhere for next year.

[peanut]

Thanks Lesley,
that's fantastic news, I thought I was doomed to live with it for ever!

[BayViewPlot]

I planted 8 1 yr old crowns in autumn last yr and only one has come through... thinking I may have to plant more

[Hilary]

My first year after planting I really thought I had lost the lot! stood and debated starting again - and then they came through slowly. I would say hang fire another week or so - its my belief they are just starting the season.

They like occasional deep watering - and i feed mine with a seaweed fertiliser periodically.

those are now year three - and coming through - i also planted more last year - so that row are a week or so behind the other row.

It may depend also on when you planted them last year?

I'm no expert - but hope that helps

[Paulottie]

Hilary is right, but, It might also depend on how deep you had them (6/8" usual). If you had ferns last year then they will probably be up. They are pretty tough things-as long as the bed is not waterlogged.

Apologies Bay-view I miread your post. I have never planted in autumn before. I think the answer is the same though- be patient. I hope they are not too deep 3/4" inches I would have guessed.

[BayViewPlot]

Sure! thanks for the replies - I really want some fresh asparagus and am just keen not to waste anymore time on them as 3 years is far too long wait anyway!

I am also looking jealously at my neighbour's globe artichoke.

O.K...I'm off up there right now...love it!

[Paulottie]

I completely appreciate you need and want to get started and now is the best time. If you have space to extend your bed -do so; but, I would still say don't grub up the others just yet.

[miniplot]

Hi, sorry to hijack this thread, but I need to move my asparagus! I planted them (all grown from seed from my grandma's and dad's compost heap!) in a hurry and they are in a really awkward place! Is it ok to move them now, or should I wait 'til Autumn? They are in a spot where I'd ideally like to grow something else (and there are a load of weedy bulbs coming through!).

[Paulottie]

How old are these crowns miniplot? After a few years old you might struggle; but get on with it, as early April is the time for planting. You will of course not harvest any but let them re-establish. if you've got the other bed ready give it a go but DON'T LET 'EM DRY OUT! good luck.