Keeping Weeds Down in Asparagus?

[iplumb]

How do you guys keep the weeds down in your Asparagus patch? Mulch, Salt, Herbicide? What do you use? Any tricks are REALLY appreciated. :thumbsup:

 

[grnspot110]

Mulch! Leaves, aged sawdust, straw, etc.

 

[iplumb]

Mulch! Leaves, aged sawdust, straw, etc.

If you mulch do you have to wait until they are up? This is only the 2nd yr for my crowns so I'm hoping to see them again this spring :thumbsup:

 

[BATTY54]

One of the Eastern Universities had an article on asparagus growing. They claimed salt marsh hay was the best mulch as the weed seeds needed to be in saltwater to germinate. The small amount of sea salt residue from the mulch was good for the asparagus roots because they were originally a native beach grass.

 

[Marty38]

One of the Eastern Universities had an article on asparagus growing. They claimed salt marsh hay was the best mulch as the weed seeds needed to be in saltwater to germinate. The small amount of sea salt residue from the mulch was good for the asparagus roots because they were originally a native beach grass.

I second the salt marsh hay. I'm in my 7th year and the asparagus is better every year. Unfortunately they've been treating the saltmarsh hay in my neck of the woods, for invasive non native species.

 

[iplumb]

Salt marsh hay? Never even heard of it. Wonder if it available around here?

 

[jimmyj]

I doubt it is available where you are, I thought it was a coastal thing.

Anyhow, mulch is the answer like the fellas all said. We just use compost or grass clippings or straw.

 

[dragon7]

I use old newspaper in the spring and after it comes up another layer of newspaper. When it get up 6 inches I add a good layer of straw and fertilizer 6-26-26.

 

[jimmyj]

Shredded paper or in sheets? If sheets how thick?

 

[grnspot110]

If you mulch do you have to wait until they are up? This is only the 2nd yr for my crowns so I'm hoping to see them again this spring :thumbsup:

Loose mulch can go on anytime! I prefer to cover in the Winter, then more in the Spring, if needed. ~~ grnspot