What will happen if you combine strawberries and asparagus in your garden?
Strawberries, with their shallow roots, thrive alongside the deep-rooted asparagus, optimizing soil use and nutrient absorption.
By planting these plants together, you can create an efficient garden bed, promising bountiful harvests of fresh, delicious produce for years.
Summary
- Planting strawberries and asparagus together saves space and boosts growth for both plants.
- Both plants help protect each other from pests, reducing the need for chemicals.
- You can expect up to 70 quarts off strawberry and up to 20 lbs of asparagus in the fourth year.
Preparation
Choose Your Favorite Varieties
When choosing strawberry varieties, consider ‘Albion’ or ‘Seascape’ for everbearing options that provide continuous harvests.
For asparagus, ‘Jersey Giant’ or ‘Jersey Knight’ are excellent all-male hybrids known for their high yields and disease resistance.
However, you need to ensure these varieties are suitable for your climate and soil conditions, and look for those that are vigorous and disease-resistant.
Prepare Living Conditions
Both strawberries and asparagus need plenty of sunlight, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Ensure the area is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the roots.
If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider building raised beds to improve drainage.
Prepare The Area
Weeds can compete with your crops for nutrients and water, so it’s essential to remove them thoroughly.
After clearing the area, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to aerate the soil and makes it easier for the roots to penetrate.
If you’re planting in rows, space them adequately to allow for easy access and maintenance.
Growing Strawberries and Asparagus
You can start by planting asparagus crowns 12 inches deep in trenches, spaced 18 inches apart. Cover with soil gradually as they grow.
Once asparagus is established, introduce strawberries.
Plant strawberries 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart around the asparagus, ensuring their shallow roots don’t interfere with the asparagus.
Then, mulch well to retain moisture and suppress weeds and water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Care for Strawberries and Asparagus
Light
Strawberries and asparagus both enjoy full sun. However, asparagus can tolerate some shade, which can be beneficial for strawberries during the hottest part of the day.
This natural shading helps keep the strawberries protected and hydrated.
Water
Both plants need a steady supply of water, especially during dry spells.
Therefore, water them at least once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Besides, mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Soil
The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Asparagus roots go deep, so they can access nutrients from lower soil levels, while strawberries benefit from the nutrients available in the topsoil.
Temperature and Humidity
Strawberries and asparagus prefer moderate temperatures.
Asparagus is quite hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, while strawberries are more sensitive to frost.
However, don’t worry as during hot weather, the shade from asparagus can help keep strawberries cool and reduce stress.
Fertilizer
For optimal growth of strawberries and asparagus, use a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply compost or well-rotted manure in early spring for both plants.
For strawberries, side-dress with fertilizer during the growing season. Asparagus benefits from an annual top-dressing of compost or fertilizer after harvest.
Seasonal Care for Your Garden
In spring, you replace the mulch around your plants to keep weeds down and retain moisture.
In the fall, cut back the asparagus ferns after they die back, and prepare your garden for winter by adding a layer of mulch to protect the plants from frost.
Common Issues
Poor Growth
One of the most common issues gardeners face is poor growth due to several factors, including inadequate soil conditions, improper watering, or lack of nutrients.
Strawberries and asparagus have different root depths, with strawberry plants having relatively shallow roots and asparagus having deeper ones.
Ensuring that both plants get the nutrients they need is crucial. Regularly check the soil pH and nutrient levels to keep both plants healthy.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests like aphids, slugs, and beetles can damage both strawberries and asparagus.
Additionally, diseases such as root rot and fungal infections can affect the plants if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
To combat these issues, you consider using natural pest repellents and ensuring proper drainage in your garden.
Harvest
Time to Harvest
Strawberries are usually ready to pick in late spring to early summer. You look for berries that are fully red and plump.
Asparagus, on the other hand, is best harvested when the spears are about 6 to 8 inches tall in early spring.
Productivity
| Plant Type | Yield per Plant (Year 2) | Total Yield per Plot (Year 2) | Mature Yield per Plot (Year 4) |
| Strawberries | ½ to 1 quart | 35 to 70 quarts | 35 to 70 quarts |
| Asparagus | Small initial harvest | Small initial harvest | 15 to 20 lbs |
By the second year, each strawberry plant yields ½ to 1 quart annually, amounting to 35-70 quarts per plot.
To maintain this yield, transplant runners yearly and remove non-bearing plants in the fourth year.
For asparagus, planting two-year-old crowns will provide a small harvest by the third spring, increasing to 15-20 lbs annually after the fourth year.
During the initial harvest, only pick spears that are at least finger-thick, harvesting for six weeks before allowing the ferns to grow, which nourish the roots for winter.
While some loss due to mold, weeds, and wildlife is inevitable, the complementary growth habits of these plants optimize space and nutrient use.
FAQs
Why should I grow strawberries and asparagus together?
Asparagus provides shade for strawberries, keeping them cool and moist, while strawberries help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I store harvested asparagus and strawberries?
Store asparagus by wrapping the stalks in a damp paper towel and refrigerating them.
Strawberries should be placed in a single layer on a damp paper towel and refrigerated. Both can be frozen for longer storage.
How can permaculture principles be applied to growing strawberries and asparagus together?
Strawberries’ shallow roots and asparagus’s deep roots optimize soil use.
In addition, mulching retains moisture and suppresses weeds, creating a low-maintenance, sustainable garden.
