Asparagus
(Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus prefers full sun to light shade (will produce best with more sun) and well-drained, nutrient rich soil with a ph of about 6.5-7.0. While a very few spears can be collected the 2nd year after planting, maximum yields will usually begin the 3rd or 4th year. Harvest spears when they are 6-8 inches tall.
Instructions for planting: Space plants 12-18 inches apart with rows spaced 5 feet apart. Wide spacing promotes rapid drying of foliage to help prevent the onset of fungal diseases. Dig a hole 6 inches deep, or dig a furrow (trench) 6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the outspread roots. The trench can be as long as you want. In the bottom of the hole or furrow: make a mound about 2 inch high of dehydrated cow manure (or compost mixed with the soil taken from the hole). Position the plant with the bud facing upward, on top of the mound, so the crown (center of the plant) is 3 inches below the soil surface. Cover the hole or furrow with soil and gently firm the soil to remove any air pockets. Do not compact the soil over the newly filled hole/furrow or the emergence of the asparagus will be severely reduced. Water your new plants thoroughly.
Other Considerations: Weeds can be a major problem for asparagus. On small acreage, light cultivation with a hoe may be used to remove weeds— but avoid a rototillar or any other tillage implement that can damage the crown. This could reduce yields and promote diseases. Organic mulches such as grass clippings, wood chips, straw/hay can be applied 4-5 inches thick to suppress weeds.
Jersey Knight, Asparagus
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An improvement on the old standby variety Mary Washington, Jersey Knight asparagus was selected for its excellent disease resistance and its high yields - producing up to 3-4 times more spears than other asparagus varieties! The green spears are of excellent quality and have great flavor. Jersey Knight is a vigorous variety that will establish quickly and performs well even in hotter climates and in heavy, clay-like soils. It is resistant to rust, crown rot and fusarium. Cold hardy to USDA zone 3.
Sweet Purple, Asparagus
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Just as the name implies this deep purple variety has 20% more sweetness than green asparagus and also has more antioxidants! The large sturdy spears are almost stringless making it delicious both cooked and raw. The sizable spears are tender right to the base allowing less waste. The mild, nutty flavor is a must have for the gourmet gardener. Cold Hardy to USDA Zone 3.