Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) is a very durable plant that can grow in our garden for up to 10 years. For this reason, it is important to properly prepare the soil and understand their care before planting them.
Asparagus is of course a precious horticultural crop because it is not only very crisp and delicious when fresh, but also a rare perennial vegetable.
It is considered to be a food that helps to lose weight because it can satisfy small amounts and helps digestion to eliminate residual fluid.
In addition, its large number of vitamins and certain minerals give it antioxidant properties, which can attack free radicals, oxidize cells and age them, thereby helping to maintain good health. And because of the folic acid (folate or vitamin B9), they contain, they are very suitable for pregnant women.
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When to plant the Asparagus
There are two ways to grow asparagus: by buying seeds and germinating in a seedbed or using asparagus crowns.
The first method is not strongly recommended, because you have to wait another two years to start harvesting.
On the other hand, crowns, because their rhizomes are called (a kind of underground stems that grow underground), are most suitable for planting in late winter and early spring.
Tips to care for your asparagus
After planting asparagus, we recommend that you consider the basic care for successful planting.
Here are some useful tips:
1. The asparagus requires well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.
2. It does not require so much watering to survive. In fact, during the rainy season, you do not water this vegetable as it can support itself.
3. In temperate and sunny climates, watering every ten to fifteen days is usually sufficient.
Therefore to avoid the accumulation of excessive moisture, avoid wetting the plants, but moisten the soil around them.
Regarding the ideal temperature, it is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, but due to its high resistance, it can even withstand frost, although if we live in areas where frost is likely, it is better to protect them.
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HOW TO HARVEST THE ASPARAGUS
It takes several seasons for the root system to truly establish, and harvesting in the first few years may slow down the growth of the plant or even die.
The solution to healthy and long-term asparagus production is to wait until the third season to harvest.
The best time for harvesting the asparagus is either in the morning or evening. Just pinch the spear with your thumb and index finger and bend it until it breaks.
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You can also use a clean knife or scissors to cut above the soil line. The remaining roots will eventually decompose and will not cause damage to the plant.
Although some gardeners prefer to use a knife to cut below the soil line, be aware that if you are not careful, this may cause accidental cutting of stems that appear nearby.
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IN CONCLUSION
It is important to let the plant rest for about a month so that the roots recover from the effort. Harvest the asparagus and let the leaves grow to store energy for the next season.
