Proper Maintenance of an Asparagus Bed in Autumn** скачать в хорошем качестве

Proper Maintenance of an Asparagus Bed in Autumn**

To harvest beautiful asparagus spears next spring, it is crucial to perform some maintenance tasks in the autumn. *Assessment of the Asparagus Bed* The feathery foliage of asparagus strikingly resembles that of the asparagus fern, a green plant from the same family. The leaves of the asparagus are derived from the previous season's spears that were not harvested and have continued their growth cycle into autumn. During summer, these leaves can be used in floral arrangements. On some stems (not all), small reddish-orange fruits appear. These are tiny berries, approximately the size of a small pea, containing small black seeds within. These seeds are sometimes transported by birds and may germinate outside of gardens, often on a hillside, where they are then considered "wild" asparagus. In reality, these wild specimens have escaped from cultivated asparagus beds. Asparagus plants develop from roots (commonly referred to as "crowns") planted in March. The spears are harvested two to three years after planting. *Cleaning the Asparagus Plants* Cut the yellowed stems about 10 centimeters above the ground, and carefully place them in a wheelbarrow or sack to remove larvae of the asparagus beetles, the primary pest of asparagus during summer. Dry stems left in winter can be blown by the wind, creating soil cavities that might weaken the crowns. Remove any unwanted weeds or competing plants, particularly bindweed roots, which can choke asparagus in spring. Avoid using tools that penetrate deeply into the soil, as this could damage the crowns (tuberous roots) just below the surface. Gently rake the soil with a three-pronged hoe, ensuring not to penetrate deeply enough to disturb the crowns. This procedure merely breaks the surface crust. Asparagus prefers light, fine soil that is well-aerated. Apply compost or well-rotted manure to the asparagus bed. *Ridging the Asparagus* In autumn, level the soil that has been mounded around the asparagus. Ridging is performed at the end of winter after the second or third year of cultivation. Asparagus plants should not be ridged during the first two years of planting. In this instance, the asparagus is in its second year of growth and will be ridged next spring.