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Requirements to Grow Asparagus
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An open sunny position and well-drained
soil.
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Planting time for Growing Asparagus
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Two-year-old asparagus crowns in winter.
Otherwise raise crowns from seed in spring.
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Cultivation for Asparagus
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Before planting, trench or deeply dig
soil to the depth of about 35 cm at the same time turning a liberal
layer of well-rotted compost or animal manure, plus a dressing of lime.
Allow to settle down for about a week then make trenches 60-70 cm
apart, about 25 cm wide and 20 cm deep. Scatter a handful o complete
plant food per sq. m along the trench base and light', hoe into the
soil. Make a slight ridge of top soil over this to take the spread of
the crown roots, which should be spaced about 35 cm apart and covered
with a few cm of soil. Gradually fill as growth progresses and mulch
the surface with fibrous compos or similar organic material.
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The first spring the growth is usually
left to mature and later to yellow naturally but it is permissible to
cut spears for the first weeks. If white spears are preferred, soil is
hilled up about 15 cm around them. To avoid damage to later growth, cut
by feeling down toward the spear base with a long-bladed knife and hold
the tip in the other hand.
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The next and following years cutting
ceases about mid-December. Water fortnightly with soluble plant foods
while harvesting. When mature canes yellow they are cui and left as
weed-retarding mulct over the rows. Dress during early spring before
new growth develops with a little lime and complete plant food, if
possible, also with compost.
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Planting time
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Sow in spring, first soaking the seed in
water overnight to speed germination which normally takes about 3
weeks.
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Sow seeds about 2 cm deep in row 20-25 cm
apart, thinning seedlings in the early stages to 9-10 cm apart. female
plants which usually produce inferior spears are culled out.
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These are distinguished by their lower
branching growth and their berries. The remaining plants are then set
out as indicated for crowns during the following winter.