Asparagus is a perennial vegetable with three primary parts: the fluffy top is called the fern; the crown is the part just beneath the soil and the roots extend down from the crown. Each spring new edible spears (stems) emerge from the crown. To promote growth this season, last year’s stems and ferns needs to be removed now.
Old spears and ferns can be removed by hand or by gently tilling or mowing, using caution not to damage the crowns. Burning is another option if it is safe and legal to do so.
Asparagus spears emerge from early to mid-April in Manhattan but earlier in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas.
Fertilize asparagus after the harvest, as needed, based upon a soil test. General recommendations are to apply 1 to 2 pounds of 10-20-10 or 11-15-11 fertilizer per 20 feet of row. If only nitrogen is needed, apply 1 pound of 16-0-0 or ½ pound of 30-4-5, 27-3-3 or similar fertilizer per 20 feet of row. Most of these high nitrogen fertilizers are lawn fertilizers but can be used for this crop as long as they don’t contain a weed preventer or killer. Water in the fertilizer application with ¼ inch of water.
(Cynthia Domenghini)
Old spears and ferns can be removed by hand or by gently tilling or mowing, using caution not to damage the crowns. Burning is another option if it is safe and legal to do so.
Asparagus spears emerge from early to mid-April in Manhattan but earlier in southern Kansas and later in northern Kansas.
Fertilize asparagus after the harvest, as needed, based upon a soil test. General recommendations are to apply 1 to 2 pounds of 10-20-10 or 11-15-11 fertilizer per 20 feet of row. If only nitrogen is needed, apply 1 pound of 16-0-0 or ½ pound of 30-4-5, 27-3-3 or similar fertilizer per 20 feet of row. Most of these high nitrogen fertilizers are lawn fertilizers but can be used for this crop as long as they don’t contain a weed preventer or killer. Water in the fertilizer application with ¼ inch of water.
(Cynthia Domenghini)
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