[Mum2mj]

Hi I want to get an asparagus bed set up this year. Marshall's are selling a duo pack Gijnlim & Backlim. 10 crowns of each for £23.90. Firstly is this a good price & secondly can they be planted in the same bed? delivery is mid-late march. Any other words of wisdom will be appreciated 

[JayG]

It's a good combination because Backlim is a later variety than Gijnlim so between them the picking season is extended. They are both all-male varieties which tend to be more prolific and can certainly be planted together.

If your researches suggest they are well priced then they probably are - certainly don't sound unreasonable to me. 

[Mum2mj]

Lovely, thanks for the quick reply JayG 

[rutters]

sorry to jump on your thread but what kind of space would I need for these? What are the ideal conditions?

thanks

[JayG]

They are pretty tolerant of soil types but it must be well-drained, which is why you often see asparagus grown in ridges of soil. They prefer a pH around neutral, which means a little liming may be needed. A reasonably open position because they need some sun, but if it's very exposed you will probably have to support the ferns to stop them falling all over the place and/or snapping off. An annual feed and mulch should keep them happy, but remember you will have to wait a couple of years before you can start cropping.

Mine are spaced at 18" which I think is the usual recommendation but you could probably get away with pinching a few inches.

[Mum2mj]

How far apart are the rows? I'm reading conflicting info - one website says 5ft, another 18"...

[rutters]

Thanks for replying.

I have a 10ft by 5ft raised bed. Would I have one row down the middle 18" apart?

[crh75]

RHS says plants 12-18 inches apart in staggered rows 18 inches apart.  So in a 10 by 5 foot bed you'll get three rows of six to ten plant (I'd go for 10 if it was me).