Asparagus winner!

[MeggsyGardenGirl]

Thanks! This is very helpful. I didn't realize the thick stalks were probably male plants, though that makes sense. Duh! In fact. I'm not sure I know how many males vs. females I have in that garden. I'll have to remember to notice this season. I may transplant that little volunteer away from the edge of the driveway just to be on the safe side and see what happens.

 

[vfem]

So much good stuff!

I've never bothered to bring it up or ask before because every other attempt was a total FAIL.

Here's the real kicker... my neighbor has been growing his for YEARS and has a huge bed. And his family hates asparagus, so they don't even eat it! It just grows and ferns out and dies. He'll cut back in the winter when he's pruning his concord grapes since they grow near each other. So I watch all that delicious, gorgeous, amazing, flavorful... ok I'm drooling... produce, go to waste!

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

have you asked if he would allow you to do some harvesting? or maybe help thin the bed out a little? maybe he wants to keep the female plants for all those pretty fronds and tiny yellow flowers? maybe he'll let you keep the males?

 

[MontyJ]

As was already mentioned, I remove the females to keep it from spreading. I haven't noticed any difference in production or spear size between males and females. By the time the females bloom, I am done harvesting for the season. Remember that a baby asparagus plant is like a kitten. Cute when it's small, but eventually becomes a cat. If it's a female cat (or asparagus plant) you can count on even more cats (or asparagus plants). You can dig them up and transplant them. I do it all the time. My friend is trying to cover his hillside with asparagus, so he gets all my females and babies. I think I have them all out now, but late spring will tell the tale.

 

[897tgigvib]

Vfem, maybe you can make some kind of deal with your neighbor.

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

I have 7 spears up about an inch today.

 

[Gardening with Rabbits]

It rained and asparagus came up about an inch yesterday and today not as warm and it has not come out of the ground any further. Is it okay?

 

[vfem]

Oh yeah...me too! I got little pokers poking out!!! hahahaha

I feel so successful all of a sudden.