Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable. It is tasty and can be prepared in many different ways. In addition, the vegetable is full of many great nutrients. For this reason, growing your own asparagus sounds like a wonderful idea. However, when it comes to growing asparagus there are a few things that you need to know. This is a crop that does not produce until the third growing season.
If you want to have a patch of asparagus in your garden you are going to want to plan ahead. You need to choose an area that has a lot of sun and is well irrigated. In addition, you need to make sure that the space that you choose is one that you are okay dedicating to your asparagus patch for many years because once you plant them the crop can come back again and again for up to twenty years.
Here are some hints for planting and taking care of an asparagus crop.
1. Seeds or Bare Root?
When it comes to growing asparagus you will find that most people will choose to start their asparagus patch by using bare root. The reason for this is because it takes a very long time to grow from seed. With this being said, seed propagation is quite possible and is a bit cheaper than purchasing bare roots, especially if you are planning to grow a fairly large crop.
The seeds of asparagus are referred to as berries and they will become a bright red in color during the fall. When the tops fall off, they can then be collected. Once you collect them you will want to hang them upside down. They should be kept in a space that is warm and dry.
After about a week they will ripen. Keep a bowl underneath them or tie a brown paper bag around the top of them in order to catch all of the seeds. These seeds can then be used to start your asparagus crop. You may also purchase seeds from a supplier that is reputable.