An economical way to grow asparagus is by seed, or with seedlings. If asparagus is grown from seed then the plants should be left to grow for about two or three years for a strong root system to develop. The stems should not be picked during this time, with the plant being allowed to grow naturally.
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Another way to grow asparagus is by using the asparagus crown, with long, fleshy roots. The crown of the Asparagus is where the spears will grow.
To plant the crown, dig a trench and then make a little mound in the bottom of the trench. Sit the roots of the crown over the top of the mound. Place the plants about 40cm apart. If the roots are damaged cut them back – they will grow again easily.
Asparagus is very hungry and needs plenty of organic matter such as animal manures. Scatter it thickly along the bottom of the trench at planting time.
An asparagus plant can also be placed into a single hole or a couple of asparagus crowns can be grown in a big pot. Water well, once planted, so the air pockets get away from the roots. Then in spring, little shoots will appear. In order to assist the plant to develop into a healthy plant with a strong root system, it is preferable to avoid harvesting the stems in their first year.
BEAT THE BUG
Indoor plants such as African violets can sometimes become quite unhealthy with leaves lacking lustre and flowering shoots failing to produce good quality blooms.
One cause can sometimes be reasonably difficult to identify. A close inspection may reveal small fluffy white blobs, about the size of a match head, underneath the leaves or flowers or around the base of the plant. This will indicate the presence of mealy bug.
If the plant is badly infected it is probably preferable to dispose of the plant in a plastic bag and then place it into the garbage. However, if the plant is not too badly affected, and the owner is willing to spend the time, the white blobs can be removed by using a cotton bud that has been dipped into methylated spirits and then dabbing the solution on to the pests. Frequent inspection of susceptible plants should be undertaken as the pests can spread to other plants.
HELPFUL HINTS
* Perennials and autumn flowering shrubs, including lavender bushes, should be cut back as the flowers begin to die off.
* Winter vegetables such as silver beet, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, peas and beans can be planted out now, adding a handful of dolomite per square metre of garden bed.
