Asparagus

From the Dallas Morning News, 1998

Jersey Giant and Jersey Knight are the two top varieties. They are all male plants, and because males don't use up energy making berries and seed, the produce a much higher yield than female plants. Of the two cultivars, Jersey Knight is the best suited for growing in clay soil. An asparagus bed can keep producing for 10 or more years. A sunny location and good drainage are essential. In poorly drained soil, plant in raised beds. Because asparagus is a perennial, it is best to grow it in a separate area way from regular garden. Plants grow 4 to 5 foot tall. Allow at least 4 feet between the asparagus bed and any other vegetables or flowers to avoid disturbing the asparagus roots when cultivating the annuals.

An asparagus bed should be about 4 feet wide and as long as your appetite is big. Two dozen plants will supply enough harvest for a family of four and will require 80 square feet. In clay soil, aeration is essential. Add organic matter. 1 pound of 10-20-10 fertilizer for every 100 sq. ft. Asparagus prefers a soil that is slightly acid to neutral (6.5 to 7 ph). The best time for planting is a month prior to the average last frost date. Although asparagus can be grown from seed, it is best to start with 1 or 2 year old crowns. To plant, dig two parallel furrows 3 feet apart and 6 to 8 inches deep in clay or 10 to 12 inches deep in sandy soil. Form small mounds 14 to 16 inches apart in the bottom of each furrow. Set the crowns on the mounds, draping the roots down around the mound. Cover each crown with 2 inches of soil, then firm the soil around the roots and water promptly so the crowns do not dry out. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Saturated soil causes the crowns to rot. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Plants are fairly drought tolerant.

Do not harvest until year 3 for best results. In year 3, harvesting can continue as long as 8 weeks. Over harvesting limits future production. Harvest the spears when they are 6 to 7 inches tall by carefuly cutting them off just below the soil line with a sharp knife. Never leave stubs above ground.

I've had asparagus planted for five years now. It comes up the first year you plant it. You just don't want to harvest it the first year or you may kill it. Also it is very delicious picked and eaten raw right out of the garden. And they are so hardy that they can take on a grasshopper plague like I’ve had the previous two years. Yes they do propagate themselves naturally by the root,and I believe by seed also. A variety called UC157 is supposed to produce an abundance of crop but is to be grown in the south.

Offered by Anthony.