asparagus

[Anna Stox]

hi folks.
I'm hoping to plant up some asparagus in a 4ft by 8ft raised bed. Unfortunately all of the books i have looked at have different recommended spacings! I was hoping someone could give me some advice on the optimum spacing for the area i have? Any advice gratefully recieved.
Best wishes to all,
Anna

[Kristen]

I've got 4' wide beds, I planted a double row (close to the edges of the bed) and the crowns are about 18" apart

[kathyd]

Hi Ann

I've got asparagus on order - never grown it before - but my plan is to do what Kristen's done - 2 rows in a 4 ft bed and about 18" apart. When I found all the conflicting advice like you have, I decided just to do it so that all the plants I've ordered will fit in the space I have. If it's so flexible, I can't see it'll make any difference. But I'm sure someone on here will tell us otherwise

[Anna Stox]

Thanks folks.

[Storming Norman]

Oddly enough I've done this already in 2 variations and am awaiting the results.

2 years ago I planted 12 plants in 2 rows in a 4 foot by 8 foot raised bed. They were very strong roots but quite widely spaced, so I have planted some garlic & kale plants [kept small] at the outside edge of the beds. Last year on the outside edges were beetroot and tomatoes.

Then last year I got a bit more allotment so put another raised bed in of the same size for more asparagus that I grew from seed last spring/summer and planted out in September when they were a reasonable size [very successful actually, not bad for 50p of seeds]. This time I went for 3 rows of 5 plants and kept the spacing more regular around the plants and less area for weed/crops to grow. That's nearly 18" spacing. When they grow the do get pretty large of course - difficult to imagine when you just see the crowns in your hand.

I used good quality soil to top up the beds - very old compost heaps and loads of rotted stable muck. I'm awaiting a full crop this year from the older bed. It will be a while for the younger plants yet.

I'm not sure which spacing will do best but no doubt I will find out in the next few years.

If you plant in 2 rows you might be tempted like me to grow a few crops on the edges of the beds........it just winks at you as wasted space I'm afraid.

[VirginVegGrower]

I've got 4' wide beds, I planted a double row (close to the edges of the bed) and the crowns are about 18" apart

Just done this too. Going to be really difficult not to want to cut it this first year.

Kristen - do you manure/feed it? My first time with asparagus so a bit lacking in knowledge.