Your comments and tips

15 May 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

All my asparagus grew really well in April especially the new little plants (6) from seed planted Sept last year. Although I keep trimming the older plants back they just keep growing - the warm weather - 26 C here today and nights 14-16 C. Looks like another warm winter coming.

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11 Mar 17, Fiona (Australia - temperate climate)

Can I gather the berries now in Autumn and keep them to sow in Spring? Should I keep the seeds cool?

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12 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

There's no reason not too. Mother Nature does it! Plant them in a row about 75 mm (3") sapart and separate them the following winter for planting in their permanent position. All the best.

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17 Feb 17, Dil (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Where can I purchase a Ming fern plant in Melbourne

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18 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Ming Fern (asparagus) seed is listed on ebay. It is fairly easy to grow from seed. If you search for it on the internet you will find nurseries that have it in Melbourne. It is listed as an environmental weed in NSW and can't be purchased in that state. Trust this helps

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11 Feb 17, Alex (Australia - temperate climate)

I have just bought a house in southeastern SA and it has a large raised asparagus bed. The ferns are over a metre tall and mostly still green, do I cut them back to ground level when they yellow or just leave them till they fall naturally, also, should I water them or not? I believe the asparagus is about 5 years old.

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13 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Do not cut the ferns back until they start to turn yellow. They are building up the crowns for next seasons crop. Add compost or wel rotted manure in late autumn or winter will also boost your yield.

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10 Feb 17, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, This is my third asparagus year. My asparagus is growing in high raised garden beds. I have the most amazingly tall healthy ferns - they are so tall and prolific you can hardly get past them to the other raised beds. There aren't that many spears though. Will they come? Or am I destined to have a jungle of ferns? Does this happen? I did not pick many spears again this year, I left most to turn into my jungle.

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10 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

The 'fern' begins as the edible spear as it emerges from the ground. It is too late to harvest spears this year. Cut the 'ferns' off when they begin to yellow. The spears will emerge in the spring. They sre like 'buds' for the ferns. Cut them off with a knife below ground level. Clear a bit of soil so you don't damage any new tips still under the ground. Enjoy! Trust this helps.

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19 Jan 17, Karleena (Australia - temperate climate)

I am new to gardening - I got a small patch with asparagus growing - no asparagus but only ferns - can I cut it down or should I let it grow?

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