Got my J. A Ellliott pamphlet today on growing no-trench asparagus, "The No-Trench, Easy Way to Grow Good Asparagus". It is 6 typed letter-sized pages stapled together at the top, and was copyrighted in 1972. Mr. Elliott advised planting at least 25 asparagus plants (one- or two-year roots) per person, planted a minimum of 16 inches apart in all directions. He said to spade some manure into the soil before the asparagus arrives, and emphasized the importance of keeping the roots moist before putting into the ground. He planted by just stabbing a spade into the ground to open a crack in the soil and slipping the root in just deep enough to be covered, so that the bud is about 1/2 inch below the surface, then stamping the crack shut. He then adds a layer of fresh manure mulch, but warns to leave a space about the size of a cup around each plant so they don't get burned. After the sprouts come up, he mulches deeply with 'salt hay' or straw to keep down weeds. Each year, add more manure and mulch - that's it! He did mention only picking for 'a taste' the first year, and only for 2 weeks the second year, to allow the roots to establish well, and never picking the small sprouts, only those larger than your thumb, so as not to over-stress the plants. He said the best time to pick spears is when they are just beginning to open up a little, what he referred to as having 'bird shot' barely showing on the buds. In the fall, the plants all turn brown. He would leave them all winter, then cut down in the spring, and use for mulch back in the same asparagus bed. I can see why this guy was a gardener after Ruth Stout's heart, they agree on everything, I think!
