Q. As an avid killer of plants I can’t seem to get
anything to grow outstanding well. My asparagus attempt is especially
disappointing. I did as you suggested, mostly, and dug down as deep as my
tiller would dig about 13″. For better drainage I 2″ drilled
holes another 12″ and filled them with gravel. I feel that should be
pretty good drainage. I ordered Jersey Knight asparagus and planted as
per instructions. I had a very mixed bag. Out of 10 crowns 5
have died. 1 shot up like a cannon but has since slowed its
velocity. The other 4 are in some stage of growing but not heartily. How do I figure out what I did wrong 9 times and
right once?
Jersey Knight? This is a Rutgers release as are all the “Jersey” types. In my opinion it has lower tolerance to desert heat than UC151 types which were bred in Riverside for the Coachella Valley. Eastern US, use Jersey types. Hot western areas of US, use UC151 types. They hold their spears longer.
A. Usually the reason for losing asparagus
is watering them too often or bad drainage. The gravel was not a good idea. It did nothing for drainage and made it difficult to get straight spears if it improves drainage. If
the soil has bad drainage then plant them on a mound about 12 inches high and
24 inches across. Plant them about 8 inches deep.
Water and don’t water them
again until the soil dries out in the area of the roots. How to know that? Use
a soil moisture meter like you use for houseplants Buy them for $10 at Lowes or Home Depot.
Make sure it works. Those made in China sometimes work and sometimes don’t. That’s been my experience experience with well over a hundred of them. If the
needle moves when you grab the tip it is probably okay. Otherwise stick the tip
in a glass of water. Measure the soil moisture about 4 inches deep and water
again ONLY if the needle gets to 5. Water them by hand if you have to and don’t
hook them up to a valve that waters something else. They are always wrong for
asparagus.
