Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 10 · column 5 of 7 · from the scan, no model involved
deep, so the crowns aren’t exposed and uses the Rutgers University asparagus varieties (Jersey Giant and Jersey Knight) as they are mostly male and longer lived and healthy enough to withstand her (lack of) ministrations.
Though pragmatic, Heidi is never without reverence for nature’s workings and to her great delight, wild strawberries have populated the asparagus beds, serving as mulch and weed control.
Rappahannock’s other Asparagus Queen is none other than Joyce Abell. She and her late husband Richard planted all of their asparagus at once, 19 years ago, with a rust—prone precursor of Jersey Giant, one inch deep.
Now, in addition to choosing the Rutger’s strains, she advises to plant only eight inches deep, though cautions that it depends on the soil. Heavy clay soil does not drain as well and will need a shallower planting than a loose, sandy soil.
Also excellent is her recommendation to test the soil for pH. Asparagus likes neutral (6.5) earth and lime should be added if it is acid.
We both agree that adding sand and bone meal to clay are good ideas. Joyce still favors the old advice not to pick until the third year and believes that patience in waiting and in bed preparation really pays off, giving a bed lasting 20 to 25 years.
Drought is hard on the plants and they need irrigation in dry summers to survive, a reason for some failures. Joyce also promotes weeding, which she only needed to do every two or three weeks in 600 row feet of asparagus.
92.2%