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Asparagus planting - bury gradually or straight away?

OurarkaOurarka Posts: 22
in Fruit & veg

I'm constructing a large raised bed that will be dedicated to asparagus. Autumn seems a good time to plant so looking forward to my crowns arriving. My question is that most (not all) guides recommend covering the crowns with an inch or two of soil, and slowly topping up as it emerges. 

Is this necessary and why? It is trickier because I'd rather not have to 'keep' some of my soil that is being delivered. Also, there won't be any new growth for six months, so do I wait until then?

Or, like a couple of sites recommend, do I go ahead and bury six(ish) inches deep straight away?

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,842

    I've always planted asparagus about 6" deep And it's been perfectly ok. 

    I've never built up the depth of the soil gradually. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • OurarkaOurarka Posts: 22

    Thanks Dove - hopefully that's the consensus 'cos it's much easier!! I'll wait and see if anyone has any great reason to the contrary!!

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,699

    I've never built up gradually either. My asparagus bed kept going for over 17 years then bindweed got in.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,166

    I agree just add mulch in future years, this will keep soil level up & suppress weeds.

    AB Still learning

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