If you want a bumper crop of asparagus perhaps you should consider planting asparagus companion plants. Asparagus plant companions are plants that have a symbiotic relationship, one that is mutually beneficial to each. In the following article, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting with asparagus and what grows well with asparagus.
Companion Planting with Asparagus
Companions for asparagus or any other vegetable must be compatible with each other. Asparagus is a perennial that likes a sunny area of the garden. They take two to three years to reach a full yield and, thereafter, produce spears for the next 10 to 15 years! This means that companions for asparagus must like sun exposure and be able to work around the semi-permanent asparagus.
Companions for asparagus may be those that add nutrients to the soil, deter pests and disease, harbor beneficial insects, or aid in water retention or weed retardation.
What Grows Well with Asparagus?
Asparagus companion plants may be other veggie plants, herbs, or flowering plants. Asparagus gets along with many other plants, but tomatoes are notorious for being excellent asparagus plant companions. Tomatoes emit solanine, a chemical that repels asparagus beetles.
In turn, asparagus gives off a chemical that deters nematodes. Interplanting parsley and basil, along with the tomatoes, in close proximity to asparagus is also said to repel asparagus beetle. Plant the parsley and basil underneath the asparagus and the tomatoes alongside the asparagus. The bonus is that the herbs help the tomatoes grow better. In this particular companion planting quartet, everyone is a winner.
Other herbs that enjoy asparagus’ company include comfrey, coriander, and dill. They repel insect pests like aphids, spider mites, and other detrimental insects. Early crops such as beets, lettuce, and spinach can be planted between the asparagus rows in the spring. Then in the summer, plant a second crop of lettuce or spinach. The taller asparagus fronds will give these cool weather greens much needed shade from the sun.
During Colonial times, grapes were trellised between asparagus rows. Flowers that coexist well with asparagus include marigolds, nasturtiums, and members of the Aster family. The most interesting combination of companion plants for asparagus that I have read about was asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, and horseradish. This sounds like the makings of a fabulous dinner.
What to Avoid Planting Next to Asparagus
Garlic and onions can be offensive to some people, and for those of you who abhor these crops, asparagus agrees with you. Keep them well away from asparagus in the garden. Potatoes are yet another no-no. Cross check and be sure that all the asparagus companion plants are friendly with each other prior to planting, as some plants simply do not like one another.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
What Is White Asparagus – How Does White Asparagus GrowHere's a real head-scratcher. There are no varieties of white asparagus! So how does white asparagus grow? Read on to find out.
-
Potted Asparagus Plants – Can You Grow Asparagus In ContainersThe introduction of new asparagus cultivars has made the process of growing and caring for these plants easier than ever before. But can you grow asparagus in a pot? Click on the following article to learn more about container grown asparagus plants.
-
Asparagus Winter Care: Tips On Winterizing Asparagus BedsOnce established, asparagus is fairly low maintenance with the exception of keeping the area weed free and watering, but what about overwintering asparagus plants? Do asparagus need winter protection? Find out in this article.
-
What’s The Difference Between Male And Female Asparagus PlantsWe all know that some plants have male reproductive organs and some have female and some have both. How about asparagus? Are there really male or female asparagus? If so, what's the difference between male and female asparagus? Find out here.
-
Spotted Asparagus Beetle Facts: Controlling Spotted Asparagus Beetles In GardensIt can be especially devastating when an asparagus patch falls victim to pests. One very common asparagus pest is the spotted asparagus beetle. Learn some spotted asparagus beetle facts and how to prevent spotted asparagus beetles in this article.
-
What Is Asparagus Rust: Tips On Treating Rust In Asparagus PlantsAsparagus rust disease is a common but extremely destructive plant disease that has affected asparagus crops around the world. Learn more about asparagus rust control and treatment in your garden using information from this article.
-
Rotting Asparagus Plants: Treating Asparagus Crown And Root RotAsparagus crown and root rot is one of the most economically disastrous diseases of the crop worldwide. Asparagus crown rot is caused by three species of Fusarium. Learn more about controlling asparagus fusarium crown rot and root rot here.
-
Types Of Asparagus – Learn About Different Varieties Of AsparagusAsparagus is a long-lived perennial vegetable of many types. You can learn more about different asparagus varieties, including a few heirloom asparagus types, by clicking the article that follows.
