Asparagus?

[Stickjiggler]

I am thinking about planting some asparagus behind my shed. I know nothing about it other than it tastes great(less filling). Do I start from seed or can you buy some already started.(where). Does it spread and take over the area.

Thanks! Andy

[corncob]

Get started plants(roots) , plant em deep , keep em weed free and water if neccesary......Hybrid plants produce more, mulch with straw in fall to protect from frost , pulling back mulch from plants in spring ....Leave mulch between rows for moisture retention....ENJOY!

[KEN W]

Buy roots.Dig a trench 6-8 inches deep.Barely cover roots.As spears start to grow,keep covering until level with ground.Do not cut any the first year.The next year a small amount.Then a week or twc the next year.This will allow the plants to grow well.Leave the ferns on top in the fall to act as a snow fence.

Best is to buy all male plants.It takes a couple years to get well established and be able to cut spears for a month or so.

[bottomdweller]

Pretty much what Ken said, but I planted about 18" deep, fill with six inches of manure, and as they grow keep adding dirt.

Awesome!!

[Nainoa]

You'll want to buy year old crowns from a reputable dealer or nursery. Then accept that you won't be able to harvest the first spear until year 3!

You really want them to get established. Once they are, they should keep growing and expanding for up to 20 years!

Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and spread the roots... Then put 6 inches of soil over the crowns.

[delcecchi]

Asparagus is easy to grow. I am sure Extension has a leaflet that you can print, but it is really simple.

You can did a trench or dig individual holes for the crowns. My biggest problem was keeping the weeds out. I would recommend roundup or black plastic on the place you are going to plant it. Once it is planted it was very hard to get rid of grass and weeds once the asparagus was growing.

[Nainoa]

Asparagus is easy to grow. I am sure Extension has a leaflet that you can print, but it is really simple.

You can did a trench or dig individual holes for the crowns. My biggest problem was keeping the weeds out. I would recommend roundup or black plastic on the place you are going to plant it. Once it is planted it was very hard to get rid of grass and weeds once the asparagus was growing.

Yeah after the first year getting established it's harder to kill than the Terminator.

I just used old straw as a weed block and mulch.

[Stickjiggler]

Thanks everybody. I think I am going to give a whirl. Can you still buy the roots this time of year or is it getting too late already?

[KEN W]

you can still order roots from seed companies.I bought mine from Jungs.They have all male varieties.This is the one I would plant.....

http://www.jungseed.com/dp.asp?pID=04505

[jentz]

I planted Jersey Knight and Jersey supreme in 2011,10 of each this was my first year to harvest some.Good thich strong plants.I 2 days ago put in 10 more.Planting instructions I found by google.One thing start with good composted ground,Plant down 8 inches cover with 6 inches soil.after first years growth dies off add another 2 inches good fertile compost.Mine suprized me of how strong and how many spears I am getting

[delcecchi]

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1251.html

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1861.html

Your tax dollars at work.

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/438/438-102/438-102.html

Someone else's tax dollars at work.