I am toying with the idea of starting an asparagus bed 3.6 × 2.0 mtrs. I know it takes a couple of years to become established but I have the space.
My questions are
Is it worth it? ... long wait for a short harvest period
What variety is best? So many to choose from
Problems with pests?
Any thoughts?
I have tried it from bought crowns a couple of times and they took off, but then died. I have one plant that survived on my old allotment - I dug it up to take it with me, and we'll have to wait and see if it will take. They are finicky. I like some asparagus, but not others, but I have no idea what type they are as I've only reliably eaten supermarket asparagus.
I bought a collection of 3 varieties some years ago. ?Marshalls with a free asparagus knife! Never used it. Hasn't worked for me but maybe I didn't try hard enough. Not buying any more.
I’d say it’d be worth the space and time. I can’t really help with varieties. The ones I have were unnamed from wilko. They’ve done very well and Taste very good. I’m also growing connovers collossal . But not old enough to try yet. But they’re growing into good strong plants and I think they’re going to produce a lot more when harvesting time does come. Slugs are the only problem I’ve had.
I've failed miserably with about 9 cheepo Gijnlim. Only one plant survives and I've never had a spear to taste, I'm hoping for one to cut next season. I've given up as space is needed for other things.
I have decided that I shall have an asparagus bed. I will use the time between now and April to prepare the bed.
I am going to dig down 450mm and sift the soil incorporating manure and well rotted leaf mould. I have yet to decide upon the variety but have plenty of time to decide.
I found a note of the varieties I bought.............but I've mislaid it again. I remember Guelph, Millenium and ?. They were from Marshalls.
Absolutely no help to you!!
Jumping on this thread has / does anyone grow them in big tubs with success?