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Q: Has anyone tried growing asparagus in a raised bed using landscaping timbers? If so, how high and what length and width would be best for the plants? Also, what amount of plants (roots) are needed for two people enjoying a harvest?
Hardiness Zone: 7b
Thanks!
KCC from Canton, NC
A: KCC,
Asparagus is a great candidate (as are all veggies) for growing in raised beds. The soil in raised beds warms more quickly in the spring, it is easier to weed and amend and it provides great drainage. I've read about established beds lasting nearly 40 years! Roots can grow fairly large so you want to make sure you leave enough room for developing spears. In raised beds, you can get by spacing crowns 15"-18" apart on all sides at a depth of 6"-8". Depending on how much you like asparagus, anywhere from 20 to 40 plants per person should provide a good amount of asparagus for two people. You can always start with a 4' x 4' bed (12 inches deep) and expand it if your appetite for asparagus grows.
Ellen
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