In the month of February these are some of the fruit and veg that are in season Grapefruit, Anjou Pears, Hedgehog mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, and butternut squash.
This month I focused on Asparagus. According to the Farmers Almanac it may take 2 - 3 years to truly get started and producing. So patience is required…I think I’ll have to work on this one.
Because Asparagus don’t like to be sitting in wet dirt, this plant is ideal for raised vegetable boxes or in the dirt when the soil can be tilled, make sure you have good drainage. Typically Asparagus are planted in the Spring.
Dig shallow trenches of about 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep (or 8 inches if you have sandy soil and 4 inches if you have especially heavy soil).
Space the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 4 to 5 feet apart. Spread the roots out in the trench with the buds pointing upward.
After planting, completely fill in the trench with soil. (Though commonly done in the past, it’s not necessary to gradually fill in the furrow as the plants grow.)
When the trench is filled, add a 4 to 8 inch layer of mulch and water regularly.
Do not harvest the spears in the first year (the plant needs time to grow out its root system), but cut down dead foliage in late fall and side-dress with compost.
During the second year, keep the bed thickly mulched, side-dress in spring and early fall, and cut down dead foliage in late fall.
Harvesting (directions from Farmers Almanac)
Asparagus can take three growing seasons to harvest, though you may be able to lightly harvest during the second year.
In the first year, just let the asparagus go vegetative to give the crown a chance to get well established. Next spring, remove the old fern growth from the previous year, and keep an eye open for the new spears beginning to emerge.
Harvest spears at approximately 8 inches tall, cutting the spears off with a knife or scissors at the soil line.
Check your plant every other day for harvest-ready spears. Spears grow quickly and may become too woody before you know it!
Stop harvesting spears when the diameter of the spears decreases to the size of a pencil. At that point, it’s time to let them grow and gain strength for next spring.
While cleaning out our garage a few months ago I went through boxes of keepsakes that I was holding on for WAY TOO long. But I did find this recipe card from a dear friend that was given to me at my Bridal Shower. I made sure to make it this month as Asparagus was abundant at the local grocery stores and I still have loads of lemons.
I made this recipe and it was delicious I may have put more lemon juice then required, but it was still tasty. I wanted to explore Butternut Squash this past month but just ran out of time. Only 28 days in the month and boy does that fly. Enjoy whatever you made this past month.
