Asparagus companion plants – What grows well with asparagus
If you want an abundant asparagus crop, you may want to consider planting asparagus companion plants. Asparagus are plants that have a symbiotic relationship, that is, they are mutually beneficial. In the next article, we will talk about the benefits of asparagus companion plants and what grows well with asparagus.
Accompanying plant with asparagus
Companions for asparagus or any other vegetable must be compatible with each other. Asparagus is a perennial plant that likes a sunny part of the garden. It takes 2 to 3 years to reach its maximum yield and then produce asparagus for the next 10 to 15 years! This means that asparagus partners must like sun exposure and be able to work around semi-permanent asparagus.
Companion asparagus can provide nutrients to the soil, deter pests and diseases, harbour beneficial insects, or help retain water or retard weed growth.
What grows well with asparagus?
Asparagus can be accompanied by other vegetables, herbs or flowering plants. Asparagus gets along well with many other plants, but the tomato is known to be an excellent companion for asparagus. Tomatoes release solanine, a chemical that repels asparagus beetles. Asparagus, on the other hand, emits a chemical that deters nematodes.
It is said that planting parsley and basil, as well as tomatoes, near asparagus also repels the asparagus beetle. Planting parsley and basil under the asparagus and tomatoes next to the asparagus The advantage is that the herbs help the tomatoes to grow better. In this quartet of planters, everyone is a winner.
Other herbs that enjoy the company of asparagus are comfrey, coriander and dill. They repel pests such as aphids, spider mites and other insect pests.
Early crops such as beets, lettuce and spinach can be planted between rows of asparagus in the spring. Then, in the summer, plant a second crop of lettuce or spinach. The large asparagus leaves will give these cool climate greens the shade they need so badly.
In colonial times, the grapes were interspersed between the rows of asparagus.
Flowers that coexist well with asparagus are marigolds, lesastules and members of the Aster family.
The most interesting combination of herbs that I read was asparagus, strawberry, rhubarb and horseradish. It sounds like preparing 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 hate these crops, asparagus agrees with you. Keep them well away from asparagus in the garden. Potatoes are another no-no. Before planting asparagus, make sure that all the plants that come with it are well adapted to each other, because some plants just don’t like each other.
