Asparagus

I'm thinking of planting Asparagus next year. I've looked for posts about it but can't seem to find any.

Any advice?

g2BG - here is a start,

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1458/

but why not start a thread here on PNW. I'm sure there are plenty that are either growing, want to grow, or have done so in the past.

Thanks for the link. I've heard it can be invasive - do you grow it?

I do - I actually have two beds, and invasive is a relative term - You do want it to expand so you have more to eat!! I actually think it would be nice grown in a border - it does spread, but not wildly, just a gentle expansion, so more to eat. But easy enough to remove the new plants. Traditionally you only pick until the 21st of June, and then let it grow into its big tall fluffy leaf to revive for the following year. It would nicely fill in a border. However, I grow it in a bed just for asparagus - but I do have a large garden.

OK, I can handle a little expansion, I just don't want it to run rampant.

Thanks!

I'm planning to put some in next spring. I have the spot all picked out and waiting! In the gardens I've seen it in here, it doesn't appear particularly invasive.

Doesn't it take 3 years before you get anything sizable for eating?

I think you can cut from it the second year, but not very much. It probably takes 3 before you get anything worth talking about.

Light cutting on the second year, then let grow for the summer. Cut down at the end of the summer (goes yellow), feed with seaweed meal, and mulch well. It will pay you back with a good good crop the following spring.

If I might interject... I grew Asparagus from seeds last spring, in pots. They are the cutest little Barbie Asparagus you ever saw. In Sept I have planted them out in a couple of different spots to see how they do. I planted them too close together for a reason. Apparently the female plants are spindly and not necessary unless you wish to keep seeds... which I don't . The Male plants are thick and more productive. So, I think by next Spring I should be able to tell the difference and remove the 'girls'. Already I was fairly sure that some were male plants.

When you grow them from seed they are a year longer to produce, but I have time.
I think!

Thanks, enyeholt. I'm no good with seeds of any sort. Short attention span.... I think I'll buy a start next spring.