All About Asparagus

Winter begins.

Asparagus Aethiopicus - AKA Asparagus Fern

We have many asparagus ferns brought in from Farmer MacGregor's grandmother's garden years and years ago. They produce berries that turn red this time each year; but please don't eat the berries.  They are poisonous to dogs and cats and will make your stomach upset.  This plant isn't really a fern.  It's a member of the lily family and is regarded as a weed in many areas because of the ability of the tuberous roots to spread quickly.  It might be ideal if you have a spot in the garden where nothing will grow.  They also have spines; so it's best to use gloves when handling.

This year, asparagus was planted in the garden for Farmer MacGregor to enjoy in the years to come. I've never grown it before.  I understand that it takes two years of growth before you can harvest the spears.  One great side benefit of growing asparagus is that the plants help to repel Root Knot Nematodes.  Bonus.  Three plants are thriving in a bed of mustards, marigolds, and basil.  The basil was shocked with the recent freeze and will be returning to the earth soon.

If you grow asparagus, let me know any growing tips please.

Asparagus trivia:  Did you know that eating asparagus can make your pee stink?  You're welcome.

Knock. Knock.



Marigold French Dwarf - Safari Orange

Incredibly (or maybe not), the only source that I could find locally for French Marigolds was a hardware store in Oildale.  Good old Floyd's.  This variety of marigold is being incorporated into the garden as a companion to the fruits and vegetables.  Aphids and nematodes don't like them, therefore I do.  Orange is pretty sharp.  These are my CalTrans flowers.  (Note:  The State of California Department of Transportation, CalTrans, has orange EVERYTHING - vehicles, shirts, garbage bags, etc.)



A bed that currently has only garlic growing will be dedicated to only marigolds this summer.  Once the marigolds are spent, they will simply be turned under to really make those nematodes mad.  Seedlings will be encouraged to continue the process for as long as the weather holds.



Marigold French Dwarf - Safari Yellow

Yellow marigolds have been planted in a bed with joint forces combating those nasty nematodes.  Celebrity Tomatoes, Jersey Asparagus, and basil are all fighting the pest together in allied form.  A few marigolds were nipped with a late frost and have been replaced.  Any seed heads will be set free in the bed to go wild to join in the cause.

Knock.  Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Banana Banana.

Knock. Knock.
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Banana Banana.

Knock.  Knock.
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I'm not a banana?!

Tenderoni



Asparagus Sprout

Planted on March 11, 2012, the Jersey Giant Asparagus crowns purchased at Floyd's Hardware Store sprouted this week.  One is growing so quickly that I can't keep up with back filling the planting trench.  I've never grown asparagus before, but it seems to be very resilient.  I'm not a fan of the "grass"; but Farmer MacGregor loves it.  The garden labor must be treated well so I reserved a spot in the eastern most bed. 

This bed was having a problem with Root Knot Nematodes.  To ease the problem, I've planted French Marigolds, Celebrity Tomatoes, Basil, and asparagus.  The boogers don't like any of that stuff and may starve because of their finicy ways.  All the plantings are companions to each other; so by the end of summer I may hear choruses of Kumbaya floating in the hot, heavy air.

Three asparagus crowns for $3.98 seemed a bit pricey to me initially. Since the plants will multiply and the price of the spears is even more pricey, this seems like a pretty good deal.  My garden laborer has a treat and the nematodes are no longer a problem.  These plants are supposed to produce for many more years. 

Here's a video that I used as a guide to planting.  I used some steer manure I had available rather than chicken doo.  Hope the plants won't rebel.