Asparagus Advice Please

[Cider Chris]

Am I mad or what?  A new allotment and I've decided that I want an Asparagus bed. Before anyone says, I know it's hard work and a long wait but the thought of eating those tender Arrows of Desire minutes after they're picked has won me over.
I need advice on the bed itself. I've started by digging a trench, 16 feet by 3 feet and 12 inches deep. The topsoil has been heaped to the side and I have just double dug the bottom (heavy clay) and incorporated 4 wheel barrows full of well rotted farm manure. What do I do next and how many crowns do I need in this size bed. What variety would give the heaviest and tastiest crop?
Now I sit back and wait 2 years for my first tasting.....I am mad!!

[Cider Chris]

[Sarah-b]

I'm sure there's some people, including some here on this site, who will be laughing that you think a 2 year wait is such a long time cos they have been gardening for years and years. In gardening, you have to be patient for  lot of things.
But yes, I do know what you mean, we too are going to start an asparagus bed and yes it will be a long wait.
I'm also going to plant a couple of apple trees, and I think you are meant to remove any apples in the first year - imagine the temptation to let them grow!!

Looking forward to seeing if anyone recommends you any varieties - I'm thinking of getting the traditional Connivers collosal (something like that anyway) from the Organic Catalogue.

[aquilegia]

You think you're mad. I'm growing mine from seed and I have no room in my garden. My garden is probably smaller than your lottie and my veg patch only takes up a quarter of it....  :-\

Can you grow asparagus in big pots?

[tim]

You're doing the RIGHT THING!!

We only have one 20' row, but it's great. Lots of conflicting advice - 1 or 2 yr crowns - half early, half late to give continuity etc - but, even though US, this is as helpful as many:  http://www.cyber-north.com/gardening/asparagus.html. Victoriana Nursery do plants all-year-round.

I've said it before, but it still wrangles - the bed that we first sowed was rotovated by a handyman trying to help. Just before it's first cropping season!!! = Tim

[Cider Chris]

Tim, many thanks...you're a hero. That link was VERY helpful. Just read an article by Monty Donn that recommends 3 to 4  inches of course sand over the double dug bottom of trench to assist drainage. Any comments?
Thanks again....2 years is such a looong time.!!
I'll have to plant some quick growing veg to compensate.

[tim]

Don't know. = Tim

[Kerry]

i guess the sand option depends what soil you have? i understand asparagus likes good drainage.
i didn't put sand in with mine, but then mine are in a raised bed.
incidentally, grew mine from seed, they'll be 2 years in the ground soon!!! yumyum!!

[Yuet_Lee]

Hi there,
I've mine from seeds last May. Now was waiting to plant to the ground next April. Did Monte mention what kind of the sand to go in the bed.Any kind?
I still have to wait 2 year for my asparagus can't wait any longer!! It just like when I waiting for my first hen to lay!

Yuet

[tim]

Didn't see it, but would suggest NOT any old sand. Only washed SHARP horticultural stuff. I think!! = Tim

[derbex]

You're not on your own in the asylum -I sowed mine last year hope to plant out this. My 'best' bit yet was that I read they're salt tolerant/loving so I collected a load of seaweed from the beach after a gale.

Here's a tip -don't leave it to stew in a bin liner- put it on fresh. It smelt worse than our drains when I've had to rod them -by a long way.

Jeremy

[Cider Chris]

Hey Jeremy,
I've read about the seaweed thing, aparently some of the best Asparagus grows in sand dunes. Bet the seaweed keeps those darn slugs at bay though. Thanks for your input.

[tim]

As you know (?) I love vraic - family market-gardened in Jersey pre-war.
http://www.societe-jersiaise.org/langsec/vraic.html = Tim

[derbex]

Interesting Tim,

at a guess the stuff I put on was a sort of bladder-wrack that grows on the groynes, although I just used dead stuff from the tideline which probably contained a few additives; dead crabs, bits of seagull, molluscs and various less savory bits and pieces.

Last time I went up the sand had covered it all so I'll have to wait for another blow.

Jeremy

[tim]

I'm sure it'll all rot down - except for your rubber gloves!! = Tim

[philcooper]

Chris,

On the sand question, I lived in Germany near an area where asparagus was grown commercially and the soil there was very light so the incorporation of sand, together with FYM and seaweed should help

Congratualations of taking on what seems quite a task - any chance of pictures?

Phil

[Sarah-b]

ooh - I'm getting excited about the possibility of having asparagus success. Our soil is so light and pathetic - they drainage aspect shouldn't be a problem. Will definitely not add any sand. Am going to shove in plenty of manure though.

SB

[tim]

Back to basics - why does asparagus need a sunny situation? Or does it?

It's not as though it grows above ground & needs photosynthesis??  And the 'ferns' will grow anywhere? = Tim

[Debs]

I too am planning on growing asparagus - the now GOH loves it so is quite enthusiastic about the idea ;)

Tim - I was interested to read about vraic.  We holidayed in France 2 years ago and on a walk along the beach, saw a french couple picking a small green plant from the dunes. I asked them
(in French ;)) what it was and how it was cooked. It ended up with us picking and returning to our campsite with a bag full of the stuff. It was lightly cooked in a little water and was delicious.
Same holiday, another beach walk, we saw lots of the locals digging clams from the wet sand - did likewise and had them for tea YUM :P.
Simple but happy days.

Debs

[tim]

DO wish I was young - & enthusiastic - enough to do another French trip - they do have everything? Except traffic!!

And while here - any thoughts on ASPARAGUS & sunshine, anyone?? = Tim

[Debs]

Tim,

Re Asparagus & sunshine.  Yes they do need it.

Excerpt from The Allotment Handbook by Caroline Foley says:

Asparagus will produce gourmet spears for twenty years.   (YIPEE).

Site it in an open but sunny and sheltered place. The traditional bed is

1.2m(4ft) wide with the crowns planted in two staggered rows 18in apart.

Plants grown from seed take 3 years to mature.

Male plants produce fatter spears.

Don't cut the asparagus in the 1st year.

Ration yourself in the 2nd

Reward yourself in the 3rd - the asparagus can be harvested for 6 weeks from May to June.

Hope this helps everyone :)

Debs