Winter Blanket for the Asparagus
Growing asparagus isn’t especially difficult, but it has that reputation. Yes, it’s a little tricky to plant at first. Yes it requires fertile, well-drained soil. Yes it takes a few years to get a decent harvest. However once established, I’ve found asparagus to be relatively low-maintenance, and a true garden favorite. There are a couple key practices to remember though when you put your bed to bed for the winter.
Like its cousins the onions, Asparagus officinalis is a member of the Liliaceae or lily family. It’s been cultivated since ancient times. Asparagus is a dioecious, which means there are distinct male and female plants. In recent decades, the all-male hybrid varieties from New Jersey (like the “Jersey Giant”) have become very popular. Male plants produce a greater number of spears, and no berries which eventually germinate and become like hard-to-pull weeds. Asparagus does not compete well with weeds. Weeding the bed is generally by hand because any deep cultivation can damage the asparagus. Neglected, weedy beds do very poorly. Asparagus plants have three parts, the top (fern), the crown (just under the surface where the buds form), and the roots (below the crown). The fern creates energy which is stored in the crown. The more energy and nutrition stored in the crown during the summer and fall, the more spears in the spring.
Like its cousins the onions, Asparagus officinalis is a member of the Liliaceae or lily family. It’s been cultivated since ancient times. Asparagus is a dioecious, which means there are distinct male and female plants. In recent decades, the all-male hybrid varieties from New Jersey (like the “Jersey Giant”) have become very popular. Male plants produce a greater number of spears, and no berries which eventually germinate and become like hard-to-pull weeds. Asparagus does not compete well with weeds. Weeding the bed is generally by hand because any deep cultivation can damage the asparagus. Neglected, weedy beds do very poorly. Asparagus plants have three parts, the top (fern), the crown (just under the surface where the buds form), and the roots (below the crown). The fern creates energy which is stored in the crown. The more energy and nutrition stored in the crown during the summer and fall, the more spears in the spring.
Asparagus ferns ready to cut back for the winter
That’s why it is important not to cut back the ferns until November when they’ve completely browned and lost all viability. In fact, it is always the last act of my gardening season. I like to cut the the ferns a few inches above the surface, pull any weeds, and then cover the bed with a good 6 inches of lightweight mulch. I use composted wood shavings from the chicken coop. It is excellent fertilizer and not too heavy. The cut fern stubs help hold the mulch over the crowns, providing a good insulating layer against the winter cold. Healthy and robust crowns are really the key to growing asparagus. By next growing season, nutrients from the manure will have leached-in, and the thick layer of shavings will be mostly composted and reduced. Each year the bed does get a little more raised, but that’s a good thing. It makes for better drainage which is important for the asparagus roots.
Leave a good six inches of stem to hold the mulch and create air space.
A well-maintained asparagus bed will be productive for 20 years or more. There aren’t too many cultivated plants which can claim that. With just a little proper care in the fall, you will be rewarded by many juicy green spears when spring comes around. Asparagus can be that easy.
Comments
Elaine Senko on August 25 2020 at 10:59AM
I have heard that we should not mulch the asparagus bed with the ferns in the fall. Is this true?
Ramkishan Dahiya on June 22 2020 at 06:43PM
This is valuable information you provide regarding growing of asparagus
Thanks and keep updating
Ella on March 07 2018 at 04:50AM
Any vegetables got straight from the garden to cook, tastes extraordinary and this in itself is a prime inspiration to grow our own particular vegetables. Peas unquestionably have a cooperative association with the nitrogen settling microorganisms and in this way, they are high in protein content. To add to it they are extremely great also.
Andrew on May 16 2017 at 08:39PM
How can I remove the grass growing in our asparagus beds.
It is overtaking the beds and Im afraid the grass will choke out the asparagus.
We have many spears up but less than last year.
Thank you