This article will show you how to grow asparagus. Here, you will discover the different stages of asparagus growth. After planting, it is important to choose a sunny spot and to water your plants frequently. You should also be on the lookout for weeds. Your asparagus spears can be harvested within two weeks after they are planted. You should not pick them if they are too long.
Asparagus can be trimmed according to its stages
The growth of asparagus plants goes through several stages. Pruning can be a crucial part of this process. The first stage of growth, called “dormancy”, occurs when the plant is about two inches tall and has a few green spears. In this stage, the plant stores energy in its roots for later growth. The next stage is called “fruiting” and occurs when the plant has developed large, tough spears about six inches long. It is also during this stage that new roots are growing to support future growth.
The spear stage is the most important stage of growing asparagus. This stage requires extra care and nutrients. To retain their flavor and tenderness, you should harvest the spears at a length of 15cm (6in). Harvesting your asparagus spears at this stage is best done every two days. Asparagus grows about five centimeters (two inches) per day.
Plant in full sun
You should ensure that asparagus gets full sun when you plant it in your garden. It is essential to protect the plants from pests and diseases. Keep your asparagus plants clean to avoid pests. At the end of the season, you should also remove any old asparagus ferns. A disease called crown or spear rot can also attack your asparagus plants. This disease is caused by a fungus in the soil. It appears as water-soaked lesions on the stems and shoots. Asparagus plants infected by spear rot will have a yellowish appearance. This disease is often caused by poor soil conditions and over-harvesting. It can also be caused by plant pathogens.
Asparagus should be planted in a sunny area with good drainage and irrigation. This perennial vegetable will produce spears every spring for at least 15 years. It can also be planted in perennial beds and borders. Asparagus is a perennial plant, so it is best planted in a sunny, drained location. Asparagus can reach six feet in height, so be sure to plant it in an area with good drainage and good drainage.
Get water regularly
Watering is a vital part of growing asparagus. In the first growing season, the plant does not require frequent irrigation. It will require water during dry periods. Asparagus likes to be planted in deep, loose soil. In addition, the soil should be prepared by adding composted organic material. Penn State Extension has a soil test kit that you can purchase for a small fee. After the soil has been prepared for planting, make the bed 4 feet wide by 4 feet deep. Before the spears appear, remove all stalks and overwintering plants. Fertilize with a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Be careful not to overwater asparagus when watering. Overwatering can cause soil to become too moist, which can lead to disease. Moreover, it will cause the spears to turn black and mottled.
Control weeds
It is crucial to control weeds while growing asparagus. There are three main stages to weed management. These are stand establishment, early crop establishment, and post-harvest cultivation. Weeds can reduce the crown vigor, density, and yield of asparagus plants. It is crucial to control weeds before the crop is established.
Pre-emergence herbicides such as paraquat or glyphosate are recommended to control weeds in asparagus growing. These herbicides can be used to control weeds in many areas of the plant but should not be used before the spears emerge. However, if asparagus plants have already emerged, these herbicides will kill them, making them unmarketable. You can also use a post-emergence herbicide such as metribuzin. This herbicide is effective for two years after it is applied, but is not recommended for the first planting season. After applying the herbicide, water the asparagus plants.
Fertilize after harvest
After harvest, fertilize asparagus to ensure a steady supply for the next growing season. This can help your asparagus plants’ crowns grow stronger and larger, as well as providing food for their roots. Broadcast a fertilizer made from compost or a prepared fertilizer over your asparagus bed. You can fertilize the whole bed or just the area around the plants. In both cases, pull back the mulch layer to allow the fertilizer to reach the roots.
Asparagus is tall and feathery in the summer so make sure to support your asparagus plants using stakes or twine. You can also mulch your asparagus plants with straw or compost to protect them during the winter.
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