How to grow asparagus at home?

To begin with, it is unlikely that it will be possible to grow a full-fledged asparagus suitable for food on the windowsill. Its long root takes too much space. Therefore, asparagus is often found in apartments as an ornamental plant, while vegetable crops are usually planted in the beds.

How to grow asparagus in the country - choosing a place and variety

No matter how useful asparagus is, growing this delicacy at home does not seem like a very tempting idea to many. The culture is considered quite capricious, requires careful maintenance, the first crop can be harvested only in the third year. Is it worth spending time and energy for the sake of green stems?

The choice of a place for the garden deserves special attention for the reason that this plant is perennial. For 10 or even 20 years, you can count on a stable annual harvest if you plant asparagus in a well-lit place, if possible from the calm south side.

Video about growing asparagus

Knowing where the asparagus grows in the wild is also helpful. Usually, its strong green stems can be seen along the shores of lakes or rivers: this culture loves light, sandy loam soils rich in humus. Try to prepare just such a soil, or even better - plant asparagus where there was a nursery or greenhouse before.

The preparation of the garden begins in the fall: the selected area is dug deeply, added to 1 sq. M. 50 g of superphosphate and rotted manure, or peat compost. Immediately after the spring thaw of snow, the soil is harrowed, ammonium nitrate, wood ash and potassium chloride are added (the ratio per 1 sq. M. - 20g / 60g / 30g).

Make the beds high so that water does not stagnate on them, as asparagus does not tolerate waterlogged soil at all.

Keep in mind that varieties that require bleaching will need to be more thoroughly spud or covered with boxes for the winter.

To grow asparagus in your summer cottage, you should choose the following varieties:

• Arzhantelskaya. A productive variety, thickened, large shoots with heads of a light lilac shade and delicate pulp. You can harvest the stems in May.
• Snow head. The pulp is more tender than that of the Argentelle variety, with a flavor of green peas. Long shoots with a creamy green head are ready to harvest in the first half of May.
• Glory to Braunschweig. Long stems with white heads and light juicy flesh are best for canning.
• Dutch green. The variety is specially bred to obtain green shoots that do not need bleaching.

Keep in mind that varieties requiring bleaching will need to be more thoroughly spud or boxed for the winter.

Sowing seeds and growing asparagus seedlings

Seed propagation is not the most convenient way. Firstly, there is no guarantee that the seed will have good germination. Secondly, caring for delicate seedlings is a lot of hassle and takes extra time.

If you nevertheless decide to experiment with seed reproduction, it remains only to decide: sow asparagus directly on the garden bed immediately after the snow melts, or at the end of March, plant seedlings in an apartment with subsequent transplantation to the site. In Russian climatic conditions, it is better to dwell on the second option, so that fragile plants have more chances to get stronger.

Seed propagation is not the most convenient way

The technology for growing asparagus from seeds is in many ways similar to growing celery seedlings:

• Asparagus seeds germinate for a very long time, therefore, before sowing, they are soaked in warm water for up to four days, changing the water twice a day. Moreover, the container with the seedlings should be warm so that the water temperature does not drop.
• After soaking, the swollen seeds are laid out on a damp burlap or other material and left so for about a week until sprouts hatch (periodically, the seed must be moistened).
• Young sprouts are planted in plastic cups or in a box filled with a store-bought loose soil mixture. It is advisable to maintain a distance of 6 cm between the plants on each side. It is enough to bury the seeds into the ground by two centimeters, no more.
• Containers with seedlings should be placed in a well-lit place, and an additional source of light will not interfere, so that the plants gain strength faster.
• The sprouts that appear are lightly sprinkled with peat.
• After 10-15 days, a complex mineral fertilizer is applied to the ground.
• Within a month, water the asparagus, gently loosen the soil and turn the seedlings in different directions to the light for even growth.
• When the stems stretch up to 15 cm in height, the planting should be thinned out, leaving the healthiest specimens at a distance of 10 cm from each other.

Within a month, water the asparagus, gently loosen the soil and turn the seedlings in different directions to the light for even growth.

In the last days of May, the seedlings must be hardened: every day, subject to good weather, put containers with plants outside. Hardening begins at one hour and gradually increases to 12 hours. By the beginning of June, the seedlings will be fully ready for transplanting to their permanent place in the garden.

For young plants, a bed of 100 cm wide, 30 cm high will be enough.A distance of 40 cm should be left between the seedlings, and up to 60 cm between the rows.

How does asparagus grow from rhizomes?

Reproduction of asparagus using segments of rhizomes with live buds is more popular. The survival rate of plants in this case is almost 100%. Planting with rhizomes is carried out both in spring and before winter. Let's take a closer look at the technology of planting asparagus in May.

After choosing the strongest, fleshy rhizomes on the market, divide them into several parts. Carefully place each part into a previously dug hole 50 cm deep, on the bottom of which a mound of earth mixed with humus is poured. Thus, the seedling should be deepened by 25 cm.The optimal distance between the bushes is 15 cm, the intervals between the rows are 50 cm.

Having chosen the strongest, fleshy rhizomes on the market, divide them into several parts

When planting, try to spread the root system well, cover the rhizomes with a mixture of soil with humus on top and press down firmly. Then pour a little water over the bed.

Further cultivation and care of asparagus

Regardless of whether asparagus is planted with rhizomes or seeds, the subsequent care for it will be the same. Immediately after planting on the plant site, you will need to water abundantly for the first one and a half to two weeks, then sprinkle the holes with peat and reduce watering.

During the summer, it is necessary to regularly remove weeds, loosen the soil in the aisles and water it from time to time so that the earth does not dry out, but it cannot be waterlogged either.To speed up the growth of shoots, after the first weeding, you can add fertilizing to the garden bed from water-diluted slurry (6 parts of water per 1 part of slurry). After three weeks, it is recommended to feed the plants with bird droppings diluted 10 times with water. And already before the first frosts, the last feeding with complex mineral fertilizer is carried out.

During the summer, it is necessary to regularly remove weeds, loosen the soil in the aisles and water from time to time

For the winter, the upper part of the asparagus is cut off, leaving only "stumps" of 2.5 cm, which are covered with earth, covered with humus and dry leaves on top. The aisles are covered with manure.

Caring for asparagus in the second year looks exactly the same as in the first. And as much as you would like to try juicy shoots, be patient until next year so that they are filled with strength and accumulate more vitamins. Cutting the stems prematurely will nullify all your efforts.

In Europe, it is customary to cut off asparagus shoots only when the height is at least 22 cm, and the diameter is at least 1.6 cm.

In the third year, with the arrival of spring, the planting will need to be hilled so that the asparagus grows long, straight, and its heads do not open ahead of time. From about the end of April, the time for the first harvest begins. Try not to miss the moment when the heads have not yet had time to appear above the surface, otherwise the shoots will lose their presentation, change color and become deeper.

Video about growing asparagus on your site

You can determine readiness by cracking the ground above each plant. As soon as you notice that the soil has risen and cracks have appeared, then it's time to dig up the stems, cutting them to the very root. In warm weather, you can pick asparagus every day or every other day. Just do not remove all the shoots at once, otherwise the plant may die.

After cutting the crop, level the garden bed, sprinkle it with humus on top and compact it slightly. In the future, caring for the asparagus is repeated, as in the first two years.

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Long before the beginning of our era, people knew such a plant as asparagus. Cultivation of it, for example, in Ancient Egypt was the work of both healers, who knew the healing properties of these green shoots, and the peasants, who appreciated their delicate taste.

The ancient Greeks preferred this plant not only for its beneficial properties, but also for its beauty during the period of fruit ripening - wreaths were made of them for newlyweds.

Today, asparagus is consumed by those who really watch their health and know the value of its nutrients.

Beneficial features

Unfortunately, in some countries today, Asparagus officinalis is either undeservedly forgotten, or people in charge of agricultural planning prefer crops that are more economically profitable.

This vegetable plant grows in almost all states of the world, except for the northern regions, and you can still find its wild "relatives" in the meadows. People in ancient times did not know what kind of useful substances asparagus possesses, the cultivation and distribution of which continued until the Middle Ages. It was also actively used in the form of decoctions.

This would have continued further if the churchmen had not recognized her as a sinful escape, having the properties of an aphrodisiac. This fact for some time removed a useful vegetable from the diet of people.

Today, scientists are well aware of the chemical composition of this plant, which includes:

• asparagine, which normalizes blood pressure, kidney function and cardiovascular system;
• folic acid, especially necessary for women during pregnancy;
• proteins, carbohydrates and amino acids;
• potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, selenium and manganese;
• 15% fatty oils;
• organic acids (citric, malic);
• alkaloids and vitamins C, K, E.

Such a rich composition with an extremely low calorie content (21 kcal per 100 g) makes asparagus a favorite food for nutritionists. Today, many people prefer to engage in prevention rather than treatment of diseases, which is why this plant is present in their diet.

Growing asparagus from seeds

Many gardeners make room for a vegetable like asparagus in their garden. Growing from seeds is one way that suits those who are patient and in no hurry. Before sowing, it is recommended to soak them in warm water for a couple of days, maintaining its temperature at +30 degrees, and then dry them. So they will rise faster.

It is possible to sow in open ground in April or May, when the threat of night frosts has already passed. In order for the seeds to sprout together, it is necessary to properly prepare the soil:

• first, make the grooves;
• secondly, put a mixture of humus, ash and superphosphates on their bottom;
• thirdly, apply a second layer of manure mixed with leaves or turf;
• fourthly, thoroughly loosen everything.

In the soil prepared in this way, the hatched seeds are thrown at a depth of 4-5 cm at a distance of 3 cm from each other. The further concern of the gardener is that the sown asparagus will produce friendly shoots. Growing from seeds is a laborious process. In summer, it should be regularly watered, spud and fed with mineral and organic fertilizers.

An important point in the growth of this plant is the timely harvesting of the fruits, preventing them from falling to the soil. In the fall, there is little work to take care of it, you should remove the yellow leaves as they appear and mulch the soil with bark and leaves before the first frost to preserve the roots.

Spring care for this vegetable consists in feeding with complex fertilizers and creating an earthen rampart above the garden. Sown asparagus, the technology of cultivation of which from seeds is not very difficult, will give the first harvest after 3 years. In order for it to be guaranteed to be high, it is better to take care of the seedlings in advance.

Greenhouse sowing

If you worry in advance that the grown seedlings are ready for planting in the ground, there are more chances that asparagus will take root better. Growing it in a greenhouse is a great option to get strong, viable growth.

Seeds are prepared in the same way as for sowing in open ground. After they swell (3-5 days) and germinate, they are sown in separate pots or seedling cassettes. The best time for this is late March - early April. This method allows you to significantly save time for the sprouts to get stronger even before transplanting.

Soil in pots should consist of a mixture of soil (2 parts) and manure, sand and peat in 1 part, respectively. Seedling care involves regular watering, loosening the soil and gradual hardening. For those 60-70 days that the plant needs to be ready for open ground, you can feed it 2-3 times with slurry at the rate of 1/6 or urea in the proportion of 20 g per 10 liters of water. Although asparagus tolerates winter frosts down to -30 degrees, it can die during spring thaws at minus five. Therefore, on warm sunny days, experienced gardeners are advised to open seedlings.

Strengthened sprouts can be planted in late May - early June, although there are those who prefer to grow them in a greenhouse for a year and only transplant them into open ground next spring. Growing asparagus in a greenhouse like this allows you to increase the yield many times over.

Sowing seeds in the ground or growing seedlings in a greenhouse is not the only way to provide yourself with a healthy vegetable for a long time.

Propagation of asparagus by rhizome

For many summer residents, it has become a kind of hobby to plant asparagus on their personal plot. Growing (this photo demonstrates) a plant that begins to bear fruit only after 2-3 years requires not only patience, but also strict adherence to technology.

The most popular and fastest way to propagate asparagus is to divide the rhizome. To do this, several pieces with a living kidney are cut from the grayish-brown roots purchased on the market. This gives almost 100% plant survival, the main thing is that the source material itself is of high quality. Before planting, parallel trenches 40-50 cm wide and the same depth must be dug.

Each piece is planted on prepared and fertilized earthen mounds 20-25 cm high and at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other. The buds will sprout new shoots, and next year the first crop can be harvested.

The best planting material is considered to be strong and healthy asparagus roots at the age of 3-5 years, which can be planted both in autumn and spring. Since it grows and bears fruit for 10 to 20 years, you should take care of the site for it in advance. This is especially true for those gardeners who plan to grow asparagus in the country on a small amount of land.

Site preparation and care

When choosing a place for planting, you should immediately take into account that this plant loves the sun and is afraid of drafts. Asparagus can be given a place on the south side along the fence, although it will also grow in the shade, only the crop will have to be harvested 2 weeks later.

This plant is unpretentious in care, giving higher yields as it "matures", loves fertilized and fertile soil very much. The ideal option is a raised bed of sandy loam soil on the sunny side of the site.

Growing asparagus in the country requires only three regular actions from the gardener - loosening, watering and weeding. In the first year of its growth, it is extremely sensitive to weeds, since it cannot compete with them in terms of growth rate. It also does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so the soil should dry out well after watering.

With the first spring loosening and after harvesting, it is recommended to apply mineral and organic fertilizers. Growing conditions for asparagus in cold areas with harsh winters require mulching the soil using peat, foliage or tree bark.

If it's a dry summer, remember that with a lack of moisture, this vegetable acquires a bitter taste. Watering should be frequent, but water stagnation should not be allowed, otherwise the root system will begin to rot, and excess moisture will become a breeding ground for fungi and mold.

As the plants grow, they spud it in the spring to protect the delicate shoots from the sun, and in the fall to protect it from frost. For example, near biennial asparagus, it is recommended to raise the ground by 30-40 cm, and in subsequent years - up to 50 cm.

There is also a need to cut off an adult plant in autumn, leaving a stem up to 10 cm long. It will respond gratefully next year with a good harvest, and it is easier to cover the shortened asparagus for the winter with a 10-centimeter layer of peat. In winter, it will protect from frost, and in spring it will become an excellent fertilizer, dissolved by melted snow.

Asparagus varieties

Asparagus has also attracted the attention of modern breeders. Growing this vegetable at home has become very popular, so hybrid species have appeared, consisting exclusively of male plants. But traditional varieties are also popular with summer residents:

• Argentinean asparagus. Growing this species is preferable due to its early maturation. This plant grows 1.5-2 meters in height, has a powerful root, giving 40-50 buds, from which juicy shoots up to 2 cm in thickness grow by the beginning of May. High yield (up to 2 kg per 1 m2) makes it very popular with gardeners. You need to harvest on time, since this species grows up to 3 cm per day and quickly loses moisture. It is recommended to immediately put the collected shoots in plastic bags so that the juicy asparagus is better preserved.
• Growing at home the Tsarsky variety is also very popular.Its distinctive qualities are tasty white pulp and high yield - up to 3 kg per 1 m2. Delicate shoots are good both boiled and fried.
• Depending on the quality of the soil, Connovers Colossal is popular on sandy areas, and Giant mammoth asparagus is popular on heavy ones. Growing and caring for them does not require additional effort, except for the application of fertilizers. Otherwise, caring for these varieties is the same as caring for the rest. Both species are distinguished by large shoots with excellent taste.
• Hybrid species, such as Franklin, are represented only by male plants that produce high early yields with thick, fleshy shoots. They are suitable not only for cooking, but also for freezing, in which all the nutrients are preserved as much as possible.

Almost all breeding varieties are represented by male plants with high yields. If you choose the cultivation of asparagus as a business, then it is recommended to plant them, but with a different ripening period. Each harvest takes 6 to 8 weeks, so this vegetable can be delivered to market without interruption.

When dealing with hybrid varieties, it should be remembered that they reproduce exclusively by dividing the rhizome, not like Argentelle asparagus. Growing non-selective plants from seeds requires the use of greenhouses to increase the yield. But, regardless of the variety, both of them give a harvest in the second year.

Diseases and pests

Although asparagus, the cultivation of which has become popular among summer residents, is an unpretentious plant, but it can also develop diseases, the plant is often exposed to an invasion of pests.

For example, the larvae of the asparagus rattle, feeding on the plant, can destroy the entire plantation if the rescue spraying with malofos or similar means is not carried out in time.

Of the diseases, rust is considered the most common - a fungus that infects its stems. It all starts with a few small red spots on the leaves, and by the end of summer all the leaves will turn yellow from infection. Even if the plant does not die, the yield and quality of the product will be significantly reduced. You can get rid of this fungus or prevent it with diligence and hard work. It is enough to raise the ridges, loosen the soil and make sure that the water does not stagnate.

Another unpleasant disease is root rot, as a result of which the neck of the plant acquires a purple color. To avoid it, it is recommended to change the place of the garden bed every 5-7 years and be careful when planting. If the root has been damaged, then there is a threat of disease. After transplanting healthy plants, it is recommended to spray them with 1% of Bordeaux liquid, and lime the infected soil.

The asparagus fly, known to many gardeners, lays eggs in this vegetable, which can destroy the entire crop. The larva loves the juicy flesh of asparagus and gnaws through the tunnels from the tunnels in the shoot. The only way to get rid of them is to dig up and burn the damaged plants. As a preventive measure, deep digging of row spacings in the fall helps well.

Other asparagus lovers are slugs, which prefer young sprouts. To prevent their appearance, special granules should be poured around the site in advance.

Harvesting and storage

Many entrepreneurs are beginning to realize that industrial asparagus farming is a profitable business. It does not make a profit immediately, since you have to wait 2-3 years for the harvest, but if you follow the technology of planting and caring for this vegetable, then it will bear fruit for 15-20 years.

Asparagus is in great demand in the restaurant business and among healthy food producers, so its cost is quite high per kilogram. In addition to selling fresh shoots, the collection of which lasts only 2 months - from May to the end of June, you can earn money in another way - freeze and preserve them, selling the finished product afterwards.

This plant is quite unpretentious, but you need to harvest correctly, otherwise the next year you can be left with nothing.

• First, you shouldn't miss the start of the harvest. The vegetable itself will notify about it. When the ground in the garden begins to crack and rise, it means that it is ripe. In order for the shoots to remain light and not turn green, you need to spud the plant in late April - early May. If there is no time for this, then it is enough to cover it with a black film on sunny days. This will not only "whiten" the vegetable, but also accelerate its ripening.
• Secondly, the length of the shoot ready for cutting should be 15-20 cm with a diameter of 1 to 3 cm.
• Thirdly, it is necessary to carefully excavate and cut off the stems with a special knife or break them off, after which the root is again covered with earth.

Asparagus shoots in well-fertilized soil and with regular watering grow from 3 cm per day, so the crop is harvested on average every 2 days if it is cloudy, and every day if it is sunny. Much depends on the climate. For example, in the southern regions, asparagus is cut twice a day. Growing in the suburbs, where the climate is cooler, makes it possible to harvest every day. In areas with short, cool summers, shoots ripen more slowly, so even 2-3 days can pass between cutting.

It is important to remember that asparagus loses its medicinal and vitamin properties within a few hours, so its use or marketing should be established. This vegetable is well stored, retaining all its nutritional qualities when frozen or canned. As it begins to be in increasing demand, it will be easy to find customers for this product.

Permaculture system

In the 21st century, a new direction has appeared in the farming system - permoculture, which is based on "communities" of plants grown in a single space. At the same time, preference is not given to any one culture, as is usually customary, but a combination of garden, vegetable and meadow plants is taking place throughout the entire plot.

The main conditions for conducting such agriculture are a large area of ​​land, no less than a hectare, and climate change within it. So, in the southern regions, it should be made more humid, for which a stepped system of artificial ponds is created. Water evaporation provides the required level of moisture, and these reservoirs are also used for irrigation and fish farming.

To prevent the banks of the ponds from being washed away, a mixture of cereals and legumes is planted on them. At some distance from them, you can plant fruit trees and shrubs, which protect the site from the winds and create additional shade.

In the northern regions, it is necessary to raise the air temperature, for which stones of different sizes are placed around the perimeter and along the site itself. They protect plants from cold winds, and heated by the sun, give them their warmth.

Sowing on prepared land is carried out in April, for which seed plants are planted in a strip on the ridges - beans, corn, peas, pumpkin, sunflower, watermelon, asparagus. Growing from seeds (permaculture involves staggered planting) goes on one tier, on the other you can plant potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables.

Such a multi-tiered planting allows you to collect large harvests in your own time on each of the ridges. This innovation is especially interesting for those who prefer to spend their time on a variety of crops - from medicinal herbs and vegetables to cereals, berries and fruits.

A seedless way to grow asparagus

For gardeners who do not have a lot of time, the most "lazy" - the natural way of planting this vegetable is suitable. It turns out that if in the fall you collect and bury asparagus fruits in a selected and prepared area in advance, they will sprout perfectly on their own. At the same time, the summer resident will be concerned about the usual weeding, loosening the soil and watering.

Asparagus planted in this way gives a harvest in the second year, if the region is southern.Additional fertilization is desirable, especially if the soil is poor or depleted. The natural method, as shown by the example of some summer residents, allows each autumn to collect asparagus and sow new areas with them. Considering that this vegetable is not only useful, but also expensive, it is beneficial to do it both for the sake of profit and for your own consumption and savings.

Often, the owners of summer cottages pay very little attention to the cultivation of asparagus. In some flower beds, a green "herringbone" decorates the flower bed, does not require special care, its branches are added to bouquets - that's all the use of a useful plant. And if you plant the bushes correctly and organize good care for them, you can indulge yourself with a vegetable delicacy, which in many countries can only be afforded by people with high incomes. Your main task is to choose the right place for asparagus in your dacha - this is how asparagus is called in another way - and it will give a tasty harvest for more than a dozen years.

Preparation of planting material

The easiest way to get planting material is to buy a root in a specialized center. There they will explain to you the features of each variety, tell you what kind of soil and care it needs.

Popular among gardeners are asparagus of the following varieties:

• Early Yellow - prized for its yield and disease resistance;
• "Arzhentelskaya" - has excellent taste;
• "Tsarskaya" - received recognition from gardeners for its resistance to frost and drought;
• "Gainlim" - gives a lot of shoots.

You can get the material yourself from an adult bush. The first way: divide the rhizome into parts, take several fragments for growing and plant them in the country. The second option: cut the cuttings from one-year-old shoots, dip the lower parts in a growth stimulator and stick them in the sand. Seedlings need to create suitable rooting conditions and provide proper care at home. Cover them with the necks of plastic bottles, on hot days, remove the caps and moisten the soil in a timely manner. When the plants are well established, transplant them to a permanent location.

Growing from seeds is a very laborious task; you cannot plant them immediately on the garden bed. The grains should be soaked in water and kept in a warm place at + 30⁰ for 2 days. When the seeds swell, you need to grow strong seedlings and only then plant them in open ground. Most often, the grains are planted in a greenhouse, for this you need to carefully prepare the place. Make furrows, put black soil on the bottom, to which superphosphate and ash are added. The top layer is garden soil with fallen leaves and manure. The planting depth should be about 2-4 cm, the distance between plants should be at least 3 cm.

Growing asparagus at home

Those who do not have a summer residence sometimes wonder if it is possible to grow edible shoots from seeds on a balcony or on a windowsill. At home, you can only grow seedlings or asparagus indoor flower. To get the first harvest, the plant must be 3 years old. During this time, a very long root will develop. Of course, you can put a large tub in the room and plant 1 bush, but the harvest will be so insignificant that there is no point in doing such work.

Advice

If you are looking to buy a delicacy from the store, remember that asparagus and soy asparagus have nothing to do with asparagus. The first of them is also a very tasty and healthy plant of the legume family. The second name is a semi-finished product made from soybeans.

If you want to grow seedlings from seeds, plant the seeds in separate deep cups. Fill them with a mixture of equal parts garden soil, peat, sand and rotted manure. Seedlings require careful care. The plant does not tolerate dryness, moisten the soil daily. 2 weeks after germination, feed with complex fertilizer.

When the seedlings grow to 15 cm, start hardening the seedlings.Take it out to fresh air or ventilate the greenhouse first for 1-2 hours in the warmest time. Gradually increase your time outdoors. When the seedlings can stand in the air constantly without any changes for the worse, you can plant them in open ground in the country.

Site preparation

It is not for nothing that asparagus is very expensive. It takes up a lot of space, it takes a lot of time from sowing seeds to harvest, and the number of shoots is small. For those who are trying to collect a large amount of vegetables from a small garden, it is better to abandon this culture. And yet, find a small area in the garden where you can plant at least 3-4 bushes, and grow several seedlings at home. When you taste the juicy shoots after 3 years, your attitude towards asparagus will change.

At the dacha, you need to start preparing asparagus soil in the fall. Note that each bush will need 0.25 m2 of empty space. The site must be sunny, sheltered from the wind. The plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture; with a high occurrence of groundwater, good drainage or bulk beds are definitely needed. Most of all, asparagus likes fertile sandy loam. When digging in autumn, add per 1 m2:

• Compost - 20 kg;
• Superphosphate - 70 g;
• Potassium sulfate - 40 g.

If you dug the garden well in the fall, you can only loosen it in the spring. When harrowing, 60 g of ash and 20 g of ammonium nitrate are introduced per 1 m2. The wells should be spacious, 35 cm in diameter and depth. In June, you can plant home-grown bushes in a permanent place. In the hole, make a mound of fertile soil, shorten the root of the seedling to 4 cm and set the plant on the embankment. Bury a hole, compact and water the soil well. In the future, young bushes will need proper care, then they will grow thick and strong.

After planting, mulch the bed with sawdust or leaf compost. This procedure will keep the soil loose, prevent weeds from breaking through, and keep the roots from freezing during the winter months. In the early years, while the bushes are still small, use the space between them for growing from spice seeds and herbs.

Proper care - a good harvest

Asparagus is a fairly large bush that has been growing in one place for many years. For proper development, it needs a lot of nutrients, and the soil is depleted over time. If you want to get good yields up to 25 years, fertilize the area with manure every fall, and apply compost in the spring. In order for the shoots to grow faster and the harvest becomes richer, do not spare organic matter, water the beds with slurry every 3 weeks.

Do not allow the soil to dry out; on dry days, water the garden bed in the country every day, especially during the growing season of edible shoots. If the sprouts don't get enough moisture, they will become bitter and tough. Excessive humidity or stagnant air is also dangerous: plants can be infected with a fungal infection. After each watering, it is necessary to loosen the top layer well. If you want to make it easier to care for the plants, mulch the bed with peat or compost when planting. With a layer thickness of more than 5 cm, not a single weed will appear on the garden bed.

You can see that if you plant asparagus in an open area with strong winds, it grows poorly, often gets sick. This does not happen from the cold, but from the fact that the roots of the plant are sensitive to any movement of the aboveground part. A strong flow of air shakes the stems, while small underground root processes break off, and the entire system begins to rot. To prevent this from happening in your garden, be sure to install a strong stake and tie shoots to it. So that the scattered seeds do not germinate and do not make it difficult to care for the garden, remove the fruits that have appeared on the branches.

Advice

If you want to harvest asparagus grains, do not cut the shoots, let the bush develop. Please note that both male and female specimens must grow on the site to obtain viable seeds.

The asparagus rhizome grows upward every year and gradually emerges from the soil. Inspect the plantings several times a season and huddle them. This will enable the normal development of the underground part of the plant. At the end of summer, cut off the yellowed shoots, and before the onset of cold weather, cut off all the stems and cover the ground with peat or sawdust at least 5 cm thick.Rhizomes of adult plants will not die even in severe frosts, and spring frosts are dangerous for young shoots.

Diseases and pests of green bushes

Asparagus rarely gets sick, but sometimes it can get infected with fungal infections. Basically, such problems arise if the care of the plant is done incorrectly. The cause of diseases is excessive moisture in the soil or air. Bushes do not like strong winds, but they need fresh air. Do not arrange a bed in a completely enclosed space, allow a light breeze to penetrate there. For prevention, you can spray plantings with fungicides in spring and autumn.

Among insects, asparagus has 2 enemies.

• Asparagus fly. Brown midge with yellow legs and head. Its appearance can be determined by twisted and withering shoots.
• Asparagus leaf beetle. A beetle with blue wings and a red stripe. Eats up all parts of the plant. It is especially active in the second half of summer.

Spray plants with insecticides to combat parasites. When watering, pay attention to emerging pest eggs. Cut off damaged branches and burn them. To prevent insects from settling on plants, remove dry and damaged shoots in time, fight weeds. Proper care will save you the trouble of growing asparagus.

How to properly harvest and preserve the crop

The gardener is eager to taste the young sprouts. Take your time: until the plant is 3 years old, you cannot cut off the shoots. Wait until the bush has accumulated enough strength, then in the next years it will give you good harvests. The first time, cut no more than 5 stems, leave the rest for the development of a strong bush. From good adult specimens, the gardener can collect up to 30 sprouts per season. Never remove all shoots: if not a single branch remains, the bush may die.

Shoots that have reached 20 cm in height, on which leaf buds have not yet bloomed, are suitable for food. As soon as the first needles begin to form, the stems will become tough and unsuitable for food. Break open the soil and break off with your hands or cut off the shoots with a knife near the rhizome, just proceed carefully so as not to disturb or injure the root system. You can harvest all summer, but the richest spring months.

There are 3 product categories.

1. White asparagus is the most valuable species. These shoots were dug out of the ground, were not exposed to sunlight and retained the maximum concentration of nutrients.
2. Purple asparagus was not exposed to light for long and did not have time to develop chlorophyll. It tastes slightly bitter.
3. Green asparagus grew in the sun, accumulated a lot of chlorophyll and carbohydrates, but lost some of the vitamins. Bitter taste.

Everyone's preferences are different, some gourmets consider white asparagus the most delicious and tender, others argue that green shoots have a richer and richer taste. If you want to taste the white sprouts, protect them from light. In the fall, after cutting the stems, make an earthen mound about 20 cm high above the roots. In the spring, keep an eye on the soil surface. When you notice bumps or small cracks, gently break up the soil to the root. Cut off the shoots that have reached the desired height and rebuild the embankment. After a few days, the next shoots will begin to break through to the surface, dig up the ground again and harvest.

Advice

If in the fall you did not make mounds, in the spring you can cover the ground with boxes or make a shelter from a material that does not transmit light: black film, roofing material.

Fresh shoots should be eaten immediately or used for cooking, preparations for the winter. If you need to use the asparagus later, place it in a jar of water like a bouquet and put it in the refrigerator. Remember that if there are products with a strong smell on the shelves, the shoots will absorb the extraneous odors. Sprouts can be frozen, but at the same time they will lose some of their taste and useful qualities.

Conclusion

Don't believe the rumor that asparagus is a very capricious plant, that growing asparagus from seed outdoors and caring for it is too time-consuming. The most difficult thing happens in the first year, when growing seedlings at home or in a greenhouse, and when the bushes take root and begin to develop well, they do not require much attention from you. You need to work the soil well once and plant the asparagus correctly in the country, and then it will grow in one place for many years.

In order for the shoots to turn out white and delicate in taste, they must be protected from light. The most convenient way is to pour a mound of earth over the plant in the fall, after cutting the stems, and dig up the soil during harvesting. When cutting, do not be greedy, do not completely remove all the stems, leave something for the development of the bush. The faster you put the product into processing, the tastier and healthier the dish will turn out. Use asparagus for salads, soups, vegetable side dishes, and feel like a millionaire who has access to expensive delicacies.

The business in the field of growing vegetables and fruits has been and remains profitable at any time of the year. In a previous post, we looked at the idea of ​​growing dill and parsley as a business, in today's article, let's talk about asparagus and how to make money from it.

Korean food lovers have probably tried a dish like asparagus. This delicacy can be purchased at any major supermarket. Asparagus are long, porous chunks of beige color and are usually sold pickled. Many lovers of this dish mistakenly believe that this ready-made Korean dish is asparagus and is made from a plant. In fact, this Korean delicacy has nothing to do with asparagus.

Famous Korean salads are made from fuju - a film of soy milk. And real asparagus (asparagus) is a short plant that lives in areas with a warm and dry climate.

What are the benefits of asparagus?

Asparagus is a healthy plant with excellent taste. Asparagus is used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. There are many unique and delicious recipes for making asparagus. It can be stewed with vegetables and served as a side dish for meat, used as an ingredient in pizza, marinated, prepared salads and cold snacks.

What are the benefits of asparagus? In addition to its high taste, this plant has many useful properties. Regular consumption of this vegetable improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increases the functionality of the liver, kidneys and heart.

Dishes made from young asparagus shoots are considered low-calorie, they are recommended for people who want to lose weight and those who care about nutrition and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Growing asparagus at home

Growing full-fledged asparagus at home will not be difficult. This plant is unpretentious, does not require much maintenance and is perfect for growing at home in areas with a warm, favorable climate.

Growing asparagus from seeds

You can breed and grow asparagus from seeds. This is a simple process, but you need to follow all the instructions carefully, so before you start growing asparagus from seed, study all the details.

First of all, it is necessary to fertilize the soil in order to prepare it for growing the plant. You can make about 5 rows for one bed, but be sure to keep a distance of about 15 cm from each other.The seeds should be lowered into the ground to a depth of approximately 4 cm. It is advisable to cover the garden bed with a layer of humus. If you sow seeds in early spring, you will get seedlings in the fall.

Asparagus cultivation and care at home

Asparagus seedlings in the garden should be arranged in three rows, keeping a distance of about 40 cm between the plants.In addition, asparagus seedlings can be planted in a checkerboard pattern (nests), keeping a distance of about 90 cm.

After the seedlings are planted in fertilized soil, the plant should be watered for 2 weeks. After the expiration of this period, it is required to cover the hole with manure on top. Further care for asparagus is the removal of weeds by weeding the beds and loosening the soil.

It is worth noting that you will receive the first harvest of asparagus no earlier than three years after planting the seedlings.

A very important point is harvesting, which must be carried out on time, otherwise the asparagus will lose its presentation and it will not be possible to sell it.

The first crop of asparagus must be harvested before the shoots appear above the ground. That is, only those shoots that have not yet had time to sprout from the ground are suitable for cooking. To understand that the asparagus crop is ripe, take a close look at the beds. A ripe plant lifts the soil a little and cracks appear in the ground. This means that the asparagus crop must be dug up immediately.

When selling asparagus, certain standards must be taken into account. According to the norms, the length of asparagus shoots should be 22 centimeters, and the diameter is about 1.5-2.5 cm. A significant deviation from the standards significantly reduces the cost of the product, and it will be more difficult to sell it.

Asparagus is harvested for 1-1.5 months. Ready-made asparagus shoots must be quickly sold, their shelf life is no more than 4 days.

Growing asparagus as a business: pros and cons

Having studied the process of growing and caring for asparagus, you should talk about how to profit from this business. How much can you earn from selling asparagus and is it profitable?

Benefits of an asparagus growing business for sale

• Small investment. The process of growing asparagus is simple and cost effective. It is quite possible to grow this plant at home in your garden. You will not incur special material costs. All that is needed is a suitable plot of land with fertile soil, money for the purchase of fertilizers, as well as physical investments in the form of tillage, maintenance and harvesting.
• Little competition in this area of ​​business. It is impossible not to note such an important advantage. Today, it is quite difficult to find a profitable field of activity with a minimum level of competition.
• Great demand and high cost of products. Asparagus is in great demand among the population, and many restaurants offer their visitors gourmet asparagus dishes. Despite the high cost of the product, it is consumed by many people, asparagus is appreciated for its usefulness and low calorie content.

Cons of home growing asparagus business

• Cultivation and care technology. This plant is easy to grow, but all the rules must be followed. It is also very important not to miss the moment of harvesting, because it is quite problematic to sell products that have lost their presentation.
• Business payback periods. Growing asparagus is a lengthy process, so you shouldn't expect quick profits in this business. Only three years after the asparagus seedlings are planted, you will receive products that meet the standards and that can be sold.

Realization of the asparagus crop

Naturally, you are interested in the question of product distribution channels, price and income from this business.

Your own shop or stall selling vegetables. If, in addition to growing asparagus, you also grow other vegetables or fruits, then it is quite cost-effective to open your own stall or store.Fresh, natural products from the garden will surely attract visitors and your product will be sold instantly.

Wholesale. If you are exclusively engaged in the cultivation of asparagus, then the harvest should be realized by concluding contracts for the supply of products with shops (supermarkets), restaurants and sanatoriums.

Consider the nuance that you need to realize the harvest quickly, otherwise the asparagus will lose its presentation, and you will have money. It is advisable that the asparagus hit the store shelves immediately after picking it up from the garden.

Therefore, it is worth finding clients and concluding contracts with them in advance, even at the stage of planting asparagus seedlings.

Profit from the asparagus cultivation business

Your income will depend on the profitability of product sales. The cost of asparagus in a supermarket is about 500 - 1000 rubles per kilogram.

Thus, we can conclude that this business is profitable, low-cost and affordable due to the low level of competition.

I liked the idea of ​​making money on vegetables, read also about growing raspberries as a business and growing carrots at home.

I wish you success in business!

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