Hardly any gardener still plants asparagus himself these days, but it's not as difficult as many people think. The cultivation of green asparagus is extremely easy.
The cultivation and care of white asparagus is extremely complex, no wonder that many gardeners also shy away from the cultivation of green asparagus. This is not as demanding as its colleague. For example, it does not have to be piled up. Protection from the sun is also unnecessary, because this is exactly what the asparagus needs to get its green color and to retain its typical taste.
And although green asparagus is easier to grow than white asparagus, you still have a lot of work to do. Our step-by-step instructions will help you with the preparations.
» Important note: What you need for growing asparagus is: Patience! Plan around three years for the development. Only then can you count on a rich harvest and enjoy asparagus of the right size.
➜ Location and soil for green asparagus
Green asparagus needs a warm and sunny to full sun location to thrive optimally. The soil should have a pH value between 5.5 and 6 (measure pH value - Here's how), as humus and nutrient-rich as possible, and be well drained.
➜ Buy suitable plants in time
The planting season for green asparagus begins in the second half of March and ends in mid-April. It is best to plan ahead and order the asparagus a little in advance. In the planting season, it can easily happen that you no longer find good offers for suitable annual young plants.
➜ Dig ditch
Dig a trench 30 centimeters deep and 40 centimeters wide at the chosen location. If you plant several rows of green asparagus, the distance between the trenches should also be at least 40 centimeters. Pour the excavated earth along the ditch.
➜ Bring in organic fertilizer
Now place a 15 centimeter deep layer of organic fertilizer in the trench. Manure or fresh compost are well suited. In the next step, loosen theSoil thoroughly so that the organic substances are well mixed with the area later rooted by the asparagus.
➜ Insert green asparagus
Put a thin layer of the excavated soil on top of this mixed layer. If you have a very loamy soil in the garden, it is advisable to mix the soil with some sand beforehand. This improves permeability. Spread out the asparagus roots in a star shape on the first layer of soil and cover them flat with a second layer. The ditch should now be a good half, but by no means completely filled again. Finally, water the plants moderately.
➜ Gradually level the ditch
Over the next two years, check regularly whether the asparagus is already showing on the surface. If this is the case, cover it again with fresh soil. Gradually fill in the remaining soil until the trench is completely leveled. In the third year the time has come: your effort will be rewarded and you can harvest your first home-grown asparagus.