Asparagus

The aspargus is sending up shoots and we've already harvested about 25 spears. It's one of the first crops to appear in our vegetable garden.  The problem is that it's in a bad location, about in the middle of the garden.  We've had this patch of asparagus for about 30 years, so I've decided to start a new crop in a better location with a newer hybrid variety called Jersey Supreme.  I ordered ten two-year crowns through the mail and they arrived in perfect shape.

First, an 8 inch deep trench was dug about 12 inches wide.  In the trench was added a layer of composted cow manure and mixed in with the garden soil in the bottom of the trench. Then the crowns were placed in the bottom of the trench with 12 inch spacing between each crown.  More composted manure was sprinkled on top of the crowns and then they were covered with the garden soil.  The soil was tamped down and the covered trench was watered.

The spears should begin to push through the soil in the next couple of weeks and we'll be all set for another 30 years. ; )

trench with composted manure mixed with garden soil at bottom

asparagus crowns set in trench