Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Categories

USDA Zones: 456789
Plant Type: Shrub
Yield: Fair
Storable: Not
Bears: 2-4 yrs
Shape: Shrubby
Height: 4-10ft
Spread: 1-7ft
Lifespan: Sub-human
Growth: Fast
Pruning: Recommended
Origin: ?
Food Type: Vegetable,
Appearance: Flowers,
Uses: Cooked,Fresh,Preserves,
Misc. Features: Self-productive,Seedlings,Pottable,
Prefers: -
Rejects: Drought,Soggy soil,
Problems: Rust,
Cycles: Early harvest,

Harvest & Use
Asparagus need two years of growth before the shoots can be picked. The shoots are usually cut below ground-level in late spring, when they look like, well, like asparagus shoots. One plant produces about 1.5 lbs of spears. Cut all shoots, including those left to flower, down to the ground at the end of the growing season, unless the plant is desired mostly for ornamental purposes. Asparagus is often canned. The seeds can be ground and used as a coffee substitute. The shoots are high in vitamins A and C, and alleged to be diuretic.
Appearance
If you leave asparagus unpicked it quickly becomes a three- to five-foot tall, feathery, decorative fern. The females have red berries, but fewer shoots (which are the part you eat). The flowers are white.
Cultivation
Asparagus need two years of growth before the shoots can be picked, and three years before heavy harvesting. Refrain from picking past mid-summer, to allow fern-growth. Asparagus tops die back in winter; the yellow tops are generally cut and removed to discourage pests. Asparagus is usually planted one foot apart in rows three feet apart. Crowns are usually planted several inches below the surface: in this method, cover the crown with an inch of soil, and as shoots appear gradually bring up the soil level (naturally, there are experts who object to this method). Soil should be rich in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphate. Ideal pH is between 6.5 and 7. It tolerates saline very well. Asparagus doesn't compete well with weeds, although its roots grow deep and wide. Average lifespan is ten to fifteen years.

Bell Pepper

1 1/2 - 2 feet tall; bushy plant
low informal hedge; container
sow indoors 8-10 weeks before laast frost; transplant when weather warms
space 18-24 in apart. plant in Sept
full sun
water thoroughly, not frequently
feed once or twice after plants are established before blossoms set
fruit is ready when good size, but good until red-ripe.
problems: cutworms, aphids, whiteflies

Chives

hardy grower
pretty purple flower
fun to have in yard

Snap Beans

plant seeds every 2-3 weeks, Mar-Aug

Sweet Potato

laying down 1/2 way in water until vine is 10" long
transplant. late May is a good time to plant; harvest in Sept/Oct

Sunflower

plant 6-8" apart
plant every 2 weeks for continuous supply
sun
plant Mar-July

Tomatoes

plant plants in Jun-Jul