Veseys

Aparagus officinalis

Planting:

Sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost, ¼" deep at 25°C (77°F). Germination will occur in 10-14 days. Sow outdoors, 3 weeks before last frost, ¼-½" deep and 1" apart. Thin or space plants to 18" apart in trenches 8-12" deep. As the seedlings grow, fill the trench back in.

Growing:

Choose a sunny location with a fertile, deep, well drained soil. Soil pH should be between 6.5-6.7. Asparagus is a heavy feeder and needs regular fertilizing with well rotted manure, compost or a well balanced synthetic fertilizer worked in the top surface of the soil. Use straw mulch to control weeds and hold moisture.

Harvesting:

Plants from seeds will take 4 years before you can harvest spring spears. In early spring, cut or snap spears when they are 6-8" high, before the heads separate.

Pests & Diseases:

Rust is a common disease in Asparagus. Use a sulfur spray at the first sign of infection. Growing strong healthy plants or resistant cultivars helps prevent the onset of this disease.

Companions:

Basil, calendula, parsley, tomato.