Asparagus – plant once and harvest for years

Asparagus is a noble, healthy and… surprisingly easy to grow vegetable. Although it requires patience, it rewards you with crops for a dozen or so seasons.

They grow best in a sunny position, sheltered from the wind, in light, permeable soils rich in humus. They do not tolerate stagnant water or heavy, clayey soil. It is most convenient to plant so-called two-year-old rootstocks - ready-made seedlings are available in garden centers.

How to plant?

The rows are prepared in early spring by digging grooves 25–30 cm deep and about 40 cm wide. At the bottom, rolls of compost and soil are formed, on which rootstocks are placed at intervals of 40–50 cm. The whole thing is gently covered with a layer of soil, leaving a depression to be gradually filled as the plants grow.

Care and harvest

The first two seasons are a time for building a strong root system – shoots are not harvested at this time. The plants require weeding, moderate watering and fertilization with compost or well-rotted manure. In the third year, you can start harvesting – young shoots are cut close to the ground for 3–4 weeks in spring. After this time, harvesting should be stopped so that the plants can regenerate.

What to avoid?

• Too heavy soil – roots rot and plants grow poorly.
• Incorrect planting depth – the rootstocks should lie on a ridge of soil at a depth of approximately 25 cm.
• Harvesting too early – the first shoots are not harvested until the third year; cutting them early weakens the plants.
• Lack of regular weeding – weeds take away water and nutrients.
• Removing leaves after the season – the so-called plumes are worth leaving until autumn; they nourish the roots and support the future crop.

AM

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