Growing Natural Asparagus – Component 2 of 9
PREPARING THE SOIL
Best pH levels for soil in which you’re growing asparagus in is 6.5 to 7.5. Asparagus will not sprout in soils with a pH of no greater than 6.0.
Asparagus takes up nitrogen. Some various excellent sources of organic nitrogen is composted manure, especially chicken manure (organic if obtainable) and bone meal (add 10 to 20 lbs. per 100 sq feet).
Due to the fact that growing asparagus has to develop a robust root system, it needs substantial quantities of phosphorus. Great resources for natural phosphorus are bone meal or rock phosphates.
Growing asparagus also needs good supplies of potassium. Compost (with banana peels if you have them), wood ash (especially hardwood), and granite dust are great natural sources of potassium.
If you’re starting in a fresh garden area, it ought to be put into consideration that planting asparagus can sustain up to 20 years, so you’ll must apply great quantities of the above soil amendments just before planting asparagus.
If you are able, grow in a location totally free of Johnson’s grass (quack grass) as weed management will be tricky when your asparagus is planted; and it will be in the same location as long as 20 years
CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE SEED TYPES FOR YOUR PLACE
As Asparagus rust can be an issue in most areas, check with your county extension to see if you should sow rust-resistant varieties like Viking KB3, Jersey Giant, and Martha Washington.
Asparagus Crown Rot is yet another issue that you can check with your county extension on. The Jersey Giant, Viking KB3, Jersey Knight, and various Jersey family members asparagus are all resistant to the rot.
SEEDS AND GERMINATION
Asparagus seeds are are viable for up to 3 years right after you’ve initially obtained them.
To encourage your asparagus seeds to germinate more easily for seeding indoors, pre-soak them in water or a compost tea (compost mixed with water). The USDA endorses a water temperature of 85° to 90°F for four to 5 days.
After you’ve soaked your seeds place them quickly in flats or individual pots. The ideal soil temperature for germination is about 70° to 77°F. They could appear in about 10 to twelve days at this temperature.
Asparagus seeds can germinate in 53 days at 50°F, 24 days at 59°F, and 15 days at 68°F. Germination times begin to increase over 77°F.
If you’re planting seeds in your garden, the ideal heat temperature range for your soil is close to 60° to 65°F.
Examine the entire report at http://www.onthegreenfarms.com/fruit-vegetable/how-to-grow-organic-asparagus/.