What Grows Well With Asparagus? Learn Companion Planting!
What Grows Well With Asparagus?
Asparagus grows well with a variety of companion plants.
Tomatoes are excellent companions as they emit solanine, a chemical that repels asparagus beetles.
Parsley, basil, comfrey, coriander, and dill planted alongside tomatoes and underneath asparagus also repel asparagus beetles.
Beets, lettuce, spinach, marigolds, nasturtiums, and members of the Aster family are other beneficial companions for asparagus.
However, garlic, onions, and potatoes should be kept away from asparagus in the garden.
Key Points:
- Asparagus grows well with a variety of companion plants.
- Tomatoes emit solanine, a chemical that repels asparagus beetles making them excellent companions for asparagus.
- Parsley, basil, comfrey, coriander, and dill planted alongside tomatoes and underneath asparagus also repel asparagus beetles.
- Beets, lettuce, spinach, marigolds, nasturtiums, and members of the Aster family are beneficial companions for asparagus.
- Garlic, onions, and potatoes should be kept away from asparagus in the garden.
Did You Know?
1. Asparagus is a great companion plant for tomatoes as it repels certain insects, such as nematodes, that can damage the tomato plants.
2. Historically, asparagus was considered a luxury vegetable and was exclusively eaten by the aristocracy in ancient Rome and Egypt.
3. Contrary to popular belief, asparagus spears do not continue to grow after they are harvested. They are actually individual shoots that emerge from the ground each year.
4. The world’s largest asparagus spear was recorded in 2012 and measured a staggering 26.5 inches (67.31 cm) in length.
5. Medical texts from ancient China indicate that asparagus was used as a herbal remedy for various ailments, including liver problems and lung congestion.
Longevity Of Asparagus: Lasting 15 Years
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable famous for its delicious spears. With a lifespan of up to 15 years, this vegetable is a valuable addition to any garden or vegetable patch. Asparagus plants can be grown from either seeds or crowns, which are one-year-old roots. Once established, these plants offer a bountiful harvest season that lasts for several weeks.
- Asparagus is a perennial vegetable.
- It can thrive for up to 15 years.
- Asparagus plants can be started from seeds or crowns.
- The harvest season for asparagus lasts for several weeks.
Planting And Growing Asparagus: Tips And Advice
Proper planting and care are essential for the successful growth of asparagus. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
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Planting Depth: Asparagus should be planted in a trench between 6 to 12 inches deep. Adjustments should be made for heavy clay or sandy soil.
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Spacing: Space the buds, or crowns, at least 12 inches apart to allow for optimal growth.
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Soil Conditions: Asparagus thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0.
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Soil Testing: It is important to test the soil for nutrients before planting asparagus to determine fertilizer requirements.
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Fertilizer Application: Based on the soil test results, add a portion of the recommended fertilizer in the fall or spring before planting, and the remainder after planting. For asparagus, use 1 to 1.5 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet before planting.
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Weed Management: Effective weed control is crucial to maintain healthy asparagus beds. Weeds compete with asparagus for nutrients, water, and light, thus slowing down growth and decreasing spear production.
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Weed Control Methods: Hand-weeding is effective, especially for smaller asparagus beds. Other methods include hoeing, flame-weeding, use of cover crops, and careful application of herbicides. Take caution when cultivating to avoid damaging the asparagus plants.
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Remember to plant asparagus at the appropriate depth.
- Space the crowns at least 12 inches apart.
- Test the soil for nutrient levels before planting.
- Apply fertilizer based on soil test results, both before and after planting.
- Manage weeds effectively to ensure healthy asparagus growth.
- Use a combination of methods such as hand-weeding, hoeing, flame-weeding, cover crops, and herbicides.
- Be careful when cultivating to avoid harming the asparagus plants.
Harvesting Asparagus: Timing And Techniques
Harvesting asparagus requires patience and good timing. It is recommended not to harvest the first spring after planting crowns. Instead, allow the spears to become ferns and strengthen the crowns. In the second spring, if the plants are healthy, harvest when the spears reach six to eight inches in length. In the first year of harvest, only pick asparagus for two weeks. After that, allow the spears to develop into ferns.
In the following years, harvesting can continue until July 1. Some gardeners prefer to wait until the third year to start harvesting. It is important to pick asparagus spears when they are sturdy and several inches tall. Freshly harvested asparagus can be eaten within hours of picking or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. Asparagus can also be frozen or canned using a pressure canner to enjoy throughout the year.
Maintaining Healthy Asparagus Beds: Soil, Fertilizers, And Weeding
To maintain healthy asparagus beds, attention must be given to soil, fertilizer, and weeding. Asparagus plants have deep root systems and require well-drained soil that doesn’t become waterlogged. It is recommended to choose a fertile, sunny site with moisture-retaining soil. Areas that are not low-lying or exposed to frost are preferable.
Soil should be tested every three years after establishing an asparagus patch, and nutrients should be added based on the test recommendations. It’s important to apply fertilizer before spear emergence in early spring or after harvest in late June or early July, based on soil test results. Low-phosphorus fertilizers like 32-3-10, 27-3-3, or 25-3-12 are recommended if the soil is high in phosphorus. Non-phosphorus fertilizers like 30-0-10 or 24-0-15 can also be used.
Weed management is crucial for establishing high-yielding, healthy asparagus beds. Weeds can compete with asparagus for nutrients, water, and light, affecting their growth and spear production. Hand-weeding is effective, especially in smaller asparagus beds. Cultivation can be done before spear emergence in the spring and after all spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June. However, cultivation should be shallow and careful to avoid damaging the asparagus plants.
Companion Plants For Asparagus: Boosting Growth And Repelling Pests
Companion planting can provide numerous benefits for asparagus plants. Companion plants are those that have a mutually beneficial relationship with asparagus. They can add nutrients to the soil, deter pests and diseases, harbor beneficial insects, aid in water retention, or help with weed control.
Tomatoes are excellent companions for asparagus. They emit solanine, a chemical that repels asparagus beetles. Asparagus, in turn, emits a chemical that deters nematodes, making tomatoes even more beneficial as companions. Parsley and basil, planted alongside tomatoes and underneath asparagus, also help repel asparagus beetles. Other herbs that enjoy asparagus’ company include comfrey, coriander, and dill, as they repel insect pests.
Beets, lettuce, and spinach can be planted between asparagus rows in the spring, with a second crop of lettuce or spinach in the summer. Grapes were historically trellised between asparagus rows, serving as shade providers for the asparagus. Flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and members of the Aster family coexist well with asparagus and can enhance its growth.
In summary, asparagus is a versatile and long-lasting vegetable that can thrive for up to 15 years. Proper planting, care, and harvesting techniques are vital for its successful growth. Maintaining healthy asparagus beds involves attention to soil, fertilizer, and effective weed management. Companion plants can boost growth and help repel pests. By following these guidelines, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious asparagus spears for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What not to plant with asparagus?
When deciding what to plant alongside asparagus, it is advisable to steer clear of Alliums such as garlic, leeks, and onion. These particular crops have been known to impede the growth of asparagus. However, fear not, as you can still enjoy both asparagus and Alliums in your garden by simply ensuring they are planted at a significant distance from each other. By maintaining a good separation between the two, you can successfully cultivate both crops without any negative effects on their growth.
What can I put on my asparagus bed?
One option to enrich your asparagus bed is to incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure. By spreading a thick layer of compost or well-composted manure in the late fall, you can provide essential nutrients and improve the soil structure. Additionally, you can consider using a balanced fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10. Applying this fertilizer either in late fall or after the harvest in late spring can further enhance the nutrient content of the soil, promoting healthy growth of your asparagus plants.
What does asparagus like to grow in?
Asparagus prefers to grow in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0, making it intolerant to highly acidic soil conditions. Whether it is heavy, medium, or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained and do not retain excess water, asparagus is capable of thriving in such environments.
Can you plant broccoli and asparagus together?
It is not recommended to plant broccoli and asparagus together due to their different soil requirements and nutrient competition. Asparagus plants thrive in rich soil, just like broccoli, but planting them together can lead to stunted growth and less successful yields for both. Furthermore, strawberries should be avoided as companions for broccoli due to their high nutrient demands, which can further hinder the growth of broccoli and attract pests.