Conquering the Mighty Perth Asparagus: A Guide for the Slightly Clueless (But Enthusiastic) Gardener
Let's face it, Perth isn't exactly renowned for its wet and wild weather. But that doesn't mean you can't cultivate your own little asparagus oasis! These tasty spears of green gold might seem fancy, but with a little know-how (and maybe a dash of bribery for the rain gods), you'll be a homegrown asparagus aficionado in no time.
 |
| How To Grow Asparagus In Perth |
Step 1: Choosing Your Asparagus Arsenal (a.k.a. Seeds or Crowns)
Now, you have two main options here, soldier. Seeds are cheap as chips, but patience is your ultimate weapon. It can take up to three years before you see a single spear shyly poking out of the ground. Crowns, on the other hand, are basically instant gratification (gardening-wise). You'll be harvesting those spears within a year, but they'll cost a tad more. The choice is yours, but for the slightly impatient (ahem, most of us), crowns are the way to go.
Building Your Asparagus Army: The Great Trench War
Asparagus love sunshine more than a mimosa-fuelled brunch, so pick a spot that gets at least 8 hours a day. Next, it's trench time! Dig a trench about 35cm deep – think more moat than mud puddle. Fill the bottom 10cm with a rich compost and manure mix. Asparagus are hungry little blighters, so give them something good to bulk up on. Remember, drainage is key! Perth soil can be a bit sandy, so if that's your situation, consider adding some clay and compost to create a happy medium (pun intended).
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
Planting Your Asparagus Brigade: A Royal Coronation (Sort Of)
Pop your asparagus crown on a little mound in the centre of your trench, with the roots all spread out like a royal receiving line. Gently cover it with more of your lovely composty soil, making sure the crown is about 7.5cm below the surface. Now, mulch heavily with something like lucerne straw. This will keep the moisture in and those pesky weeds at bay.
The Asparagus Whisperer: Top Tips for a Thriving Battalion
- Water regularly, especially during spring and summer. Perth's sunshine can be brutal, so keep your asparagus battalion hydrated!
- Be patient in year one. Let those roots establish themselves before you get too trigger-happy with the harvest.
- In winter, once the ferns die off, cut them down at ground level. This keeps things tidy and allows the plant to focus on building energy for next year's spear production.
- Give your asparagus a little feed in spring and autumn. A good quality fertiliser will keep them happy and productive.
Remember, with a little TLC, your asparagus patch will reward you for years to come. Just be prepared to share the bounty – these spears are addictive!
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Asparagus FAQs for the Aspiring Perth Gardener:
How to harvest asparagus? Look for thick spears poking out of the soil. Snap them off at the base, leaving the thinner ones to grow.
 |
How long can I harvest asparagus? For up to 10 weeks in spring! But remember, after a few weeks, ease off and let the plant focus on growing strong for next year.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
How do I know if my soil is alkaline enough? You can buy a soil testing kit from your local garden centre. Asparagus prefer a pH of around 6.5 – 7.
How can I deter asparagus beetles? These little green grubs can be a nuisance. Flick them off your plants or try planting some companion plants like marigolds to deter them naturally.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
How much space do asparagus plants need? Leave about 45cm between each crown to give them plenty of room to grow.
Happy asparagus growing, Perth!
 |
