Asparagus Potting On & Bed Position?

[Stringfellow]

Hello,

Spring 2013 I sowed and have successfully grown some ‘Jersey Knight’ and ‘Pacific Purple’ asparagus plants. These are now overwintering in a greenhouse in 3″ pots. My allotment is at least half covered with black plastic mulch and I was planning on leaving this down til next autumn to really hammer the rampant horestail and bindweed that is present.

Is there an ideal location for an asparagus bed re: the ferns growing to quite a height and potentially blocking sun from other growing vegetables? My beds run North to South.

Also, if the desired location is not yet clean enough for my plants, should I pot them on in Spring 2014 with a view to planting them out around October/ November 2014?

Thanks for any advice. Wishing all seasons greetings and a successful 2014!

[charles]

 Asparagus plants are ultimately large and with wide-ranging roots, so from mid July to September they can be bad neighbours to nearby plants. I usually crop early beets, peas, salads and beans near them in the spring then leave some bare space nearby. North south is a good orientation.

And with the weeds you describe, I would pot them on in the spring, to plant out next winter, even March 2015. Good luck with it and all your other growing, thanks for your comments.

[Stringfellow]

Many thanks, that is very helpful. I shall pot them on this coming spring with a view to planting in their final position March 2015 – first crop 2017?!!

I’m looking forward to the new books and hopefully meeting you at the Harlow Carr weekend in March – if we can get a place!

Have a tip-top Christmas and New Year…

[Author]

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