{"product_id":"asparagus-mary-washington","title":"Asparagus Mary Washington","description":"\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color:hsl(0,75%,60%);\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMix-and-match for free shipping when purchasing 6 or more perennial berries, vines, or crowns!   \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003eMary Washington asparagus is a classic variety cherished for its tender, flavorful spears and dependable performance. This perennial plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, offering consistent harvests each spring. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003eKnown for its resistance to rust and other common asparagus diseases, Mary Washington is a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Its sweet, mild flavor makes it ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or incorporating into recipes. With its heritage status and reliable productivity, Mary Washington asparagus is a must-have for any vegetable garden. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003eThis is the most popular U.S. variety of asparagus, the standard commercial strain. It is resistant to some rust and blight and offers a cutting season of six weeks. Produces long straight spears with tight tips. Mary Washington asparagus crowns are long lived and well adapted to West Coast conditions. Mary Washington is the hardiest asparagus strain tested by our supplier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 root crowns per bundle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrowns are 2 years old \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardy in USDA zones 3-9\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsparagus prefers a sweet soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste is sweet and nutty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest April to May\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not be alarmed if there is small amounts of bluish-white mold on your rootstock, this is absolutely normal. It occurs from the cold storage process used to keep the plants dormant. This mold can be wiped off and will not affect the health of the plant. However, if the plants are rotten and\/or mushy, please give us a call.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003ePlanting asparagus can be a rewarding and delicious addition to any garden. Asparagus Mary Washington is a standard commercial strain and popular U.S. variety known for its long, straight spears with tight tips, making it a preferred choice for many gardeners.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHere's a guide to successfully grow asparagus:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eAsparagus prefers well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.8 to 7.2. Aim for a sweet soil composition to support healthy growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eBefore planting, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter by incorporating compost or aged manure. This helps provide essential nutrients for robust asparagus development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eAsparagus is typically grown from crowns, which are the root systems of the plant. Plant crowns in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, to allow for ample time for establishment before the growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eDig trenches around 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Space crowns around 12 to 18 inches apart within the trenches to ensure adequate room for growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003ePlace crowns in the trenches with the roots spread out and cover them with about 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, gradually fill in the trenches to cover the crowns completely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003ePlanting in a raised bed with full sun can provide an optimal space for a small home addition to the garden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare and Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the initial growing period. Asparagus requires regular watering, particularly during dry spells.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eMulch the bed with a layer of organic material, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eFertilize asparagus with a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring before spears emerge to provide necessary nutrients for vigorous growth. Composted manure can be great for this.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eAvoid harvesting asparagus spears during the first two years after planting to allow the plants to establish strong root systems. This patience ensures healthier yields in subsequent years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eMonitor Soil temperatures an ideal \u003cstrong\u003esoil temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit \u003c\/strong\u003eis preferred\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eAsparagus Mary Washington typically has a cutting season lasting around 6 weeks, typically from April to May. Begin harvesting spears when they reach around 6 to 8 inches tall in height and are as thick as your finger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eCut spears at ground level using a sharp knife or garden shears. Harvest regularly, but avoid over-harvesting to allow the remaining spears to develop fully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eOnce the cutting season ends, allow the remaining spears to grow and mature into fern-like foliage. These ferns will replenish the plant's energy reserves for the next growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePest and Disease Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eAsparagus is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally face challenges such as rust and blight. Monitor plants regularly for signs of pest infestation or disease symptoms and take appropriate measures to address them promptly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"background-color:transparent;color:#000000;\"\u003eKeep your garden healthy by removing any diseased or damaged leaves and properly getting rid of them to stop pests and diseases from spreading.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003eOverall, growing asparagus can be a fulfilling experience for gardeners, providing a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious spears. With proper care and attention to soil preparation, planting, and maintenance, you can enjoy a thriving asparagus patch for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:0;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor more information, please enjoy our \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/blogs\/articles\/how-to-plant-asparagus-a-growing-guide\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e for planting and growing asparagus.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse our \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/collections\/asparagus-crowns\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ecollection of asparagus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Organic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46711626104998,"sku":"FV203","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0356\/3149\/7260\/files\/Asparagus_Mary_Washington.jpg?v=1759284118","url":"https:\/\/www.setapartfarmandgardens.com\/products\/asparagus-mary-washington","provider":"Set Apart Farm \u0026 Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}