My amaranth seeds sprouted again! This time I had them on a soil pellet which we’ve been keeping moist. Today we put them on the window sill for some sun.
I got my amaranth seed from the bulk food bin at the health food store. I took out some of them to see if they are viable and they are! I bought them last spring as a rice/grain alternative for $1.99/pound.
The sweet potato sprout is happy too. It’s starting to put out roots. However, when it is time to put soil on its toes, I’m not sure what I need to do. I’m thinking of potting it, but would that keep it from having babies if the pot is too small? How much room do you think it would need? I’m totally new to potato growing of any kind! It’s all a lovely science experiment at this stage....and hoping it doesn’t become more serious than that...
A friend of mine is quite an experience gardener and she was telling us that asperagus does well in our area, and what I need to do is get a package of the little rootlets in dirt which the the box stores sell. Dig a trench and scatter the rootlets in after the danger of frost. Then cover lightly, and as they grow gradually add the dirt back over them. She said that if put too much dirt on them, they’ll “get lost.” I am hoping to do that soon, after the snow we got the other day melts off. (No complaints here...we REALLY needed the moisture!)
/johnny
I am really feeling the same way about the snow. Love the moisture - hate the cold.
For the asparagus spacing: Single Plants: 1’ 6” each way (minimum) Rows: 1’ 6” with 1’ 6” row gap (minimum)
My spacing between rows is closer to 30”, so I can get the tiller between them.
Also, the packages of dormant roots will have instructions on them.
You want plump, slightly damp feeling, limber roots; not dried out, brittle or limp, nor skimpy/skinny ones. Also, you want several strong roots on each crown; and the crown looking healthy, without signs of mold or mildew, nor dried up.
The crown has the buds to put out the new shoots, but the roots are where the energy is stored to do that job, until the new foliage is established and can start replenishing the roots.
Can’t help with the sweet potatoes.
Space your sweet potatoes about 18” apart. Probably want to plant them in mounds of loose soil to make harvesting easier.