Asparagus and soaker hoses...

[Anna Stox]

Hi folks,

I am about to plant some asparagus in a raised bed. It will be the only crop in this bed. As I have a soaker hose I was wondering whether it made sense to run it between the rows as I was planting, with the aim of covering it with a couple of inches of soil.

Do you think this would work, or would I risk annoying the asparagus? I wouldn't plan on moving it once it was in, and I would cut it to size so that I just have to attach a hose to the (foot long-ish) end sticking out it of the bed when I want to water). I'm also aware that I would have less of an idea of how much water they were getting each time - would this be a big problem, or would I just have to judge it based on how fast/slow water normally comes out of the hose?

Any advice gratefully recieved!

Thanks,
Anna

[Victoria26]

Personally I wouldnt do this as they need well draining conditions otherwise the crown roots will get saturated and rot. At least if you water from above you can monitor how much your giving it...

...be a shame to spend all that time, money and effort and to ruin your crop. Good luck though hun! x

[Alison]

When your asparagus is established then you shouldn't need to do a lot of watering anyway and whilst soaker hose can be very good it will encourage shallow roots around the hose so I wouldn't bother at all.

[Anna Stox]

Thanks for all your responses, I'll save the hose for elsewhere.

Best wishes,
Anna