Panhandle Plantings
Asparagus Tips – The saga begins . . .
I have an asparagus bed. I have an 11-year old asparagus bed that’s been transplanted at least once. This is something akin to a 12-step proclamation for Florida vegetable gardening -–but to all those people who’ve questioned me in the past few months about growing asparagus in Florida, I hope that this is reassurance that I really do know what I’m talking about. This article is for all of you . . .
Let’s start with creating the asparagus bed. January is the perfect time to do this because you’re bed will have time to ‘establish’ a bit before you plant. Keep in mind that an asparagus patch is a PERENNIAL bed. Be sure that the location you choose is going to be appropriate for many years to come (including close to a water source for irrigation during droughty summers). Find a spot that’s going to get full spring/summer/fall sun. The amount of sun available during those three seasons is one of the factors necessary for good spear production and crown health.
The size of your asparagus bed will depend on your appetite for asparagus. Each three-year-old crown is going to measure at least 12 inches across when received for planting. As the crowns mature, these roots are going to require space to move into. From my experience, I would recommend that you plan on a minimum 18-inch diameter planting space for each crown. With ideal fertility, sun and water, each crown will produce 2-5 spears daily at the height of the growing season. I’ll leave you to do the multiplication for planning the size of your bed (a few crowns work well in an area as small as a flower-bed up close to the house).
Till the soil to about an 8” depth. If you’re breaking a new space in a grassy area, remove as much grass and weed material, including roots, as possible. “Round-up” the area at least 7-days before tilling if you’re not into the ‘organic’ approach. Asparagus is a very heavy feeder and doesn’t appreciate sharing it’s space with other plants.
Work in as much leaf litter, composted manure and/or compost as you can get your hands on! (it’s almost impossible to use too much). Continue amending the new bed with organic matter over the next month or so. At the obvious risk of repeating myself - asparagus is a VERY heavy feeder. Deep, rich, fertile soil is the keystone of asparagus production, and crown health and longevity. Remember that over-tilling breaks down organic matter into smaller particles that deteriorate at a faster rate than already provided by our summer heat and humidity. If possible, top-dress the tilled bed with the organic matter and simply use a spading fork for one quick ‘flip.’ If you MUST use a tiller, one quick pass will accomplish your goal. With any luck, you’ll attract a passing herd of worms (remember Rocky and Bullwinkle?) that will take up residence in your emerging patch and do all the hard work for you!
Your next step will be ordering your asparagus crowns. Unfortunately, because there’s SO much territory to cover on this topic, and a limited amount of space allotted to my mad wanderings, this is the first of three installments. So don’t lose heart – this is just the beginning!
Val Ford is a Holmes County Master Gardener. If you have a gardening question or problem, contact your local Extension Office or e-mail Val at FLSnowflake7592@aol.com
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