I'm new to growing asparagus and would love some guidance! First, I'm reconsidering where to place my asparagus bed. I'm thinking of putting it against a fence in my south-facing backyard. The fence will be on the west side, which means the asparagus would get great morning and early afternoon sun, but some shade in the late afternoon. Since I live in Western Colorado (zone 7a), where summers can get really hot, I wonder if that shade would be beneficial. Would this setup work well for my asparagus?
Secondly, I had originally ordered some Mary Washington crowns, but I've learned about the difference between male and female asparagus plants. I'm now questioning if I should have chosen all male plants. My concern is that the female ones produce berries, which could be a hassle to manage. I definitely don't want overcrowding in my bed or have the toxic seeds around my yard. Should I consider changing my plans? Maybe I could sell the crowns I ordered and go for an all-male variety instead. I would really appreciate any insights or personal experiences that could help guide my decision since asparagus is a long-term commitment!
1 Answer
I've got three different varieties of asparagus, and honestly, the Mary Washington females aren't a big deal for me. They produce berries, but I just let them be. As for your placement, the morning sun sounds great, and the afternoon shade could be a nice relief in the hot summer. Just make sure they still get enough sun overall! If you're okay with the berries, I wouldn't stress too much about it.