Care Sheets & Tips
GROWING YOUR OWN ASPARAGUS, RHUBARB, STRAWBERRIES & RASPBERRIES
Asparagus Dig a hole or trench 15 inches deep. Fill in the bottom 8 inches with rich soil and compost. Space the roots at an 18 inch interval and spread roots out evenly with the crown side up and cover the crown with 2 inches of soil. As growth appears, add 2 inches of soil and compost mixture at a time, until the trench is filled and a mound is 4 to 6 inches above the soil level. This will prevent damage to the crown when cutting, plus provide longer tender shoots. Do not cut shoots the first year. It is in fact best to leave the plants alone for two years. Prepare a hole 2 feet deep and fill the bottom with half and half mixture of composted manure and soil. Plant the crown 2 inches below soil level and firm evenly around root. Soak well, using Plant Products 20-20-20 fertilizer. Rhubarb plants are heavy feeders and need regular feeding each spring with Nutrite Garden Special 4-12-8. Do not harvest the stalks the first year after planting, so they can build strength for the following years. In the fifth year, the rhubarb can be divided. At planting time, prepare the soil by adding plenty of composted manure to provide a rich soil that will hold moisture. Plant a double row 12 inches apart in both directions, each double row 2 to 4 feet apart. Set the plants so that the mid-point of the crown is at soil level. Spread the roots out near the surface before covering with soil to allow proper air circulation and prevent root rot. Water in with Plant Products 202-20-20 fertilizer. Pick off blossoms the first season to produce strong plants for next year. Fall mulching with straw or similar material is important for proper winter protection. Prepare the soil by mixing in peatmoss and composted manure thoroughly. Plant the canes 1 to 2 inches deeper than they were growing so that the first roots are 2 inches below the soil level. Plant the canes 15 to 18 inches apart in rows 2 to 4 feet apart. Water well with Plant Products 20-20-20 soluble fertilizer and firm in the plants. Raspberries bear on last year’s wood. After bearing, the cane dies. To encourage new cane development, trim out dead canes and then thin out new canes to stand every 6 inches apart to ensure good fruit production. Regular fertilizing with Nutrite Garden Special 4-12-8 will increase yield. Heritage Raspberries should be treated in a similar manner to Raspberries. These are large bushes that reproduce themselves by suckering and by tip suckers. The tips of the arching branches that touch the ground should be allowed to root and grow. Prune out dead branches and thin slightly. These are trailing, thornless vines. They need support on a trellis or fence. Prune out dead branches and trim back vigourous new growth one third in spring. |
Blue Hollies
Growing Your Own Asparagus, Rhubard, Strawberries & Raspberries How to Maintain Your Newly Planted Trees And Shrubs Plants To Attract Hummingbirds Water Lilies And Aquatic Gardens
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