Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a hardy perennial vegetable that survives our winters.
Its year after year arrival in the early spring makes it a welcome sight after a long winter.
As one of the few perennial vegetables, asparagus must grow in a permanent location. This edible rarity is one of the most valuable perennials in the garden, as it is harvested in early May, when local fresh vegetables are scarce.
Plants are not difficult to grow and will thrive in a variety of weather conditions. It prefers full sun or partial shade. Plantings will last for many years if they are well cared for. Asparagus plants have a dual function as a cool season vegetable and a warmer season feathery fern-like plume (fronds).
The plants require the same regular feeding (compost) and watering as flowers, especially from May through October.
During spring it is easy to locate tender spears for harvesting. In summer and autumn, the foliage makes a glorious backdrop for the flower garden.
In the vegetable garden, asparagus is suitable companion to tomatoes, basil, parsley and carrots.
Seasoned gardeners realize that asparagus takes time to grow. Plants started from seed take three years to produce a crop. Grasses can be difficult to control but must be removed. A good layer of compost and mulch does seem to help.
Weeds (grass) are a major issue because the bed is not tilled. Asparagus roots grow at the surface of the soil and will not tolerate any damage caused by cultivating (tilling). Regular hand weeding becomes essential so that problems do not get out of control.
Asparagus will not grow well in beds overrun with weeds. Plants benefit from organic matter added to the soil. Straw is one material that fills both of those requirements and it is relatively available and inexpensive. Patience is a virtue when growing asparagus.
The harvest does not begin until the third year. The crown and root system must be allowed to develop. Always choose and cut the largest spears below ground level when they are 15-20cm long.
Thinner spears should be left to grow into big fronds. That will allow the plant to feed the root system. They will emerge in successive years much thicker and be suitable for harvesting.
Asparagus is a heavy feeder. The best type of soil is well-drained with lots of incorporated compost.
Plants are male or female (dioecious). Each fall fully develop female frouds produce and drop seedpods. If left unchecked, volunteer seedlings will become a visual problem if they are left to grow with mature plants.
The seedlings resemble new grass and will be confused and possibly uprooted. Volunteer seedlings are a good source of new plants that must be relegated to an area of the patch.
It would be easier to harvest the bright orange seedpods and plant them in a designated area. Make sure a plant label is used for identification.
The cutting season begins in early May.
Weather plays a huge part. Favorable conditions will allow daily cuttings but generally every other day is the rule of thumb. Cut spears below ground level when they reach 5cm or so. A sharp paring knife is essential.
Watch for new shoots still underground. New growth will start from the tip of these shoots. Sloppy cutting or injuring the new tip causes growth to stop.
Do not cut asparagus after July 1. The top-growth must be allowed to fully develop. The ferns produce food for the plant and then move it down to the crown for next year’s spear production. Over harvesting in any one year puts additional stress on the plant and may result in reduced yield the following year.
Freshly cut spears deteriorate very quickly. They must be kept in a moist, cold environment.
Wrapped in a wet paper towel and placed in the refrigerator crisper is permissible for one or two days.
Gardens have always been a reflection of a gardener’s personality. Rules for designating flower gardens versus vegetable patches have never been written in stone. Asparagus is a natural backdrop for any collection of perennials.
Cottage gardening has always used the best of both worlds for a unique and exciting presentation. Other charming gardens combine the mixing of the two by promoting design characteristics with creativity.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society
