Choosing Companions for Your Asparagus Bed

Introduction

If you're planning on starting an asparagus bed, you would no doubt like to make the most of your growing space. One way to do this is by choosing companion plants that will thrive alongside your asparagus. In this article, we'll look at some of the best plants to plant with asparagus.

Borage

Borage is a fantastic companion for asparagus for a number of reasons. Firstly, its blue, star-shaped flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, which will help pollinate your asparagus plants. Secondly, borage's taproot helps to break up the soil and increase drainage, which benefits the asparagus roots. Finally, borage's leaves release high levels of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for healthy asparagus growth.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are an excellent choice for companion planting with asparagus. The plants produce bright and colorful flowers, which can help to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Additionally, their vining nature makes them a great ground cover, which can help to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist. Finally, the leaves of the nasturtiums release a chemical called indole-3-acetic acid, which is believed to help improve the growth and yield of asparagus.

Parsley

Parsley is a common herb that makes a great companion for asparagus. Not only is parsley highly attractive to beneficial insects like hoverflies and braconid wasps, but it also has insect-repellent properties. This means that planting parsley alongside your asparagus can help to protect your crop from pests and disease. Additionally, parsley is a nutrient-rich plant that can help to improve the health of your soil, which will benefit your asparagus in the long run.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing companions for your asparagus bed, there are a lot of options available. However, by choosing plants like borage, nasturtiums, and parsley, you can help to improve the health and productivity of your asparagus crop. Remember to take into account factors like soil quality, sun exposure, and pest management when selecting your companion plants. With a little planning and care, you can create a thriving, biodiverse garden that benefits both you and your asparagus.