[rw3272]

Apologies if this has been covered before but a quick site search didn't turn up what I was looking for.

How many asparagus crowns are a useful number to (eventually!) feed a family of 4 who would happily eat asparagus at every meal in-season?

I am planning the new plot and am confused as to how much space to allocate them.

I have 30 sq m still to play with.

Thanks again,
Rachael

[sunshineband]

I planted mine 12-15 ins apart, more or less

[JayG]

The usual figure given for each asparagus plant at its peak of productivity is 15 spears per year (I'll let you do the maths for your family!).

My mixed collection has taken 5 years to really get going and even then I wouldn't say I get 15 per plant.

[PAH48]

I've planted a raised bed just over 4 ft sq. ..that now has 8 plants..
two rows of three and in between one row of two..
approx 15inch spacings.
How many I will get from that..well ! how longs a piece of string...
The main thing to consider is how big an area you can afford
to allot for the plants. As it is a long term venture..
Also how many you can afford to buy..
I grew mine from seed 2yrs ago...still a long way to go...

Possibly be able to answer the yeild per plant better in another couple of years   

[DD.]

I have a bed of about 30 plants. The two of us have asparagus roughly every other day in season, with the odd cutting to give away.

I think for 4 of you every day, you're going to need errrrrr - a lot of planst!

[Janeymiddlewife]

I have a bed of about 30 plants. The two of us have asparagus roughly every other day in season, with the odd cutting to give away.

I think for 4 of you every day, you're going to need errrrrr - a lot of planst!

So DD, if you'll pardon the expression - how big is your bed??   

[DD.]

It's about 5' x 15' - never measured it precisely.

[rw3272]

That's very helpful everyone thankyou.

I am aware of the reccommended spacings etc but it was the number of crowns needed to produce a decent yield that was confusing me.  No point growing it really if you only have enough for one spear each/season

So somewhere between 20-30 crowns should produce a decent feed.  There are just 2 of us at home, and even 2 meals/week in season would be worth the space and time for me (my parents would appreciate any extras).

You are a great bunch
Rachael

[PennyS]

What variety are you going for?

I'm also starting an asparagus bed with 30 crowns, and have gone for Backlim.  I found it really difficult to choose, so hope I have made a good choice.

I know it's a long wait, but I shall thoroughly enjoy my harvests a few years from now.  Bring on the butter!!
 
Penny

[DD.]

I grew mine from seed about 8 years ago, from seed given to me by a fellow plot holder, so I haven't a clue which variety they are.

Of 40 seed sown 39 germinated, they have been a few losses since. I'm tempted to start a few more plants off and create a second bed so even if I lose some more, I'll still have a goodly number.

[savbo]

It's about 5' x 15' - never measured it precisely.

Is that double row DD? I'm planning a 10' x 4' and think I can only get a single row so about 10 plants...

[DD.]

Actually, thinking about it, it's probably more like 6' x 15'. I've never really measured it as I planted them by eye. There's about 2' between the rows and 4 rows. Obviously when the ferns grow it takes up much more space than that, so I have to leave a good distance between the bed and anything else I plant.

[DavidT]

It's about 5' x 15' - never measured it precisely.

Is that double row DD? I'm planning a 10' x 4' and think I can only get a single row so about 10 plants...

You would probably get 3 staggered rows in that size bed.

[savbo]

It's about 5' x 15' - never measured it precisely.

Is that double row DD? I'm planning a 10' x 4' and think I can only get a single row so about 10 plants...

You would probably get 3 staggered rows in that size bed.

would that be lengthwise DavidT? and what sort of spacing would you go for?

might have to order more!

M

[DavidT]

It would be lengthways with approximately 15" spacing all round.