The asparagus is thriving in the new bed! But what kind is it?

Last year I planted a bed of asparagus. My old bed had petered out producing a stalk now and then and also self seeding itself in various places in the garden, the strawberry patch and under the grapevines. I got tired of trying to weed it. It was planted next to the fence line as I thought that was a good place for perennials since it wouldn't need tilling. However, the grass from the lawn outside the garden kept creeping in. I tried everything to stop it. I put down some old boards, the then put black plastic under the fence and everything eventually failed and the weeds moved in.

So the new bed is in a section of the garden that is going to be used for mostly perennials. I built up a bed with chicken manure and dirt from the garden that is about a foot high. Since this bed was in the midst of some spearmint, I put old roofing tin around the sides of the bed to keep the mint out. This along with some heavy weeding this spring did a good job and I put a strip of black plastic down the middle. Next time I go to town, I'll get some straw to cover the bed.

The asparagus is going strong and it's very tempting to pick some to eat, but I am restraining myself. All the information says, you need to let it go for two years before harvesting and although this asparagus looks vigorous and huge, I going to obey the instructions. This plantation I thought was Jersey Knight, but looking at the stalks, I have decided I got Purple Passion. I'm so pleased with the them whatever their name.

At Territorial seed

May 14, 2010

The asparagus is thriving in the new bed! But what kind is it?