This week Hilary is joined by Alley Swiss, the owner of Filaree Garlic Farm. Filaree Farm, which is know for their premium quality garlic seed, has been expanding their offerings to include several new seed products such as shallot sets, seed potatoes, sweet potato plants, and the newest addition, asparagus crowns. This episode is all about asparagus (well..maybe they discuss garlic a LITTLE), so tune in to learn about how to plant, grow and care for this low-maintenance perennial.

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SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we discuss:

• How asparagus plants grow

• How and when to plant asparagus

• Selecting a site for your asparagus plants

• Harvesting and fertilization

Important Take-aways:

• When is the best time to plant asparagus crowns?

  • Asparagus can be planted up to 6 weeks before your last frost date, but anytime in the spring is fine!

• In what type of growing conditions does asparagus thrive?

  • Asparagus need full sun, well drained soil, and a well prepared dedicated space!

• How do I plant asparagus crowns?

  • Dig a 8 in. deep trench, spread out roots of the crown on the bottom of the trench. Space each crown 18 in. apart. Cover with 3-4 in. of garden soil and continue to fill in with soil every two weeks, like you would with potatoes, until the trench is full.

• Should I fertilize my asparagus?

  • Fertilize asparagus plants after you've finished harvesting for the season. The added nutrients will feed the flowering fronds and encourage them to thrive, photosynthesis, and replenish the energy stored in the underground rhizomes.

Left to right: Asparagus crowns, harvestable asparagus, asparagus fronds.

1st year asparagus in a 18 in. deep wood-framed raised bed. 

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More about this weeks guest expert:
Alley Swiss is the owner of Filaree Garlic Farm, an independently owned grower and supplier of premium quality garlic seed for 30 years. As keepers of the largest privately held collection of garlic in North America, Filaree Farm's mission is to preserve and provide others with the opportunity to grow their more than 100 strains of garlic- collected from throughout the world. In recent years they have added several new seed products including shallot sets, seed potatoes, sweet potato plants, and the newest addition, asparagus crowns.

https://www.filareefarm.com/
Instagram: @filareegarlicfarm
Facebook: @filareegarlicfarm

About the Host:

Hello, I’m Hilary Dahl. Outside of this podcast, my job is to help beginning and experienced growers create beautiful and productive gardens. I have the unique experience of working in on a wide range of projects, from small backyard garden plots to multi-acre vegetable farms. I also work in my own garden every day when I get home. This podcast is an opportunity to discuss seasonal garden topics and share the the joy of growing your own food.