High-Country Health Food and Cafe in Mariposa California

CASA
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open.
'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open. "We provide a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Come in and let us help You Relax"
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California

Over the Garden FenceNovember 25, 2019 - By Bob Labozetta (UC Master Gardener, Mariposa) - Perennial vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, rhubarb, and horseradish need protection to survive the freezing temperatures of winter that occur in our area. Artichokes may be hardy down to USDA zone 6 and asparagus down to zone 4, but they do need care before cold winter temperatures set in.

For artichokes, cut this past season’s flower stalks to 6” and tie up the existing leaves with some twine. Apply a thick layer of compost around the base of the plant. Over that lay about 8” of organic mulch (chopped leaves, straw, grass clippings, wood chips, shredded bark, sawdust, pine needles, and/or even paper). Leave the mulch in place until the spring. In April, remove the mulch and string and add a balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10). Save the mulch for application when the summer heat sets in.

Asparagus is handled a little differently. After fall’s first frost or when the ferns begin to turn brown, cut them down to 2” stubs. This will reduce the chances of the plants acquiring diseases. Then add about 2” - 3” of compost evenly over the asparagus bed. Over the compost lay an even layer of about a 4” - 6” of organic mulch as mentioned above for artichokes.

To stagger your asparagus harvest in the spring, take the mulch off half the bed and observe the plants putting on their spring growth. When you see the plants that are still under the remaining mulch poking through, take that mulch off. Again, save the mulch for summer application.

After the first few frosts in the fall, harvest your horseradish. Gently remove the plants with a digging fork being careful to get all the roots (otherwise the remaining roots will become invasive). Snip off the green tops about 1” from the roots. Wash the dirt off the roots, place them in plastic bags, and place them in the crisper section of your refrigerator. Wait until spring to plant again (in a different bed).

Begin harvesting the tubers of Jerusalem artichokes (a member of the sunflower family) also after the first few fall frosts. Harvest them throughout the winter and be sure to unearth them all before spring. Otherwise, they too will become invasive.

Although rhubarb is hardy down to USDA zone 3, it requires less care than artichokes and asparagus. Just give the plants a good layer of compost. No need to mulch over the winter.

UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are located at 5009 Fairgrounds Rd., Mariposa. 

The U.C. Master Gardener Helpline is staffed; Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Serving Mariposa County, including Greeley Hill, Coulterville and Lake Don Pedro
Please contact the helpline, or leave a message by phone at: (209) 966-7078
By email (send photos and questions for researched answers) to: mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu 

For further gardening information and event announcements, please visit:
UCMG website: cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener
Follow us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/mariposamastergardeners 

Master Gardener Office Location:
UC Cooperative Extension Office,
5009 Fairgrounds Road
Mariposa, CA 95338 

Phone: (209) 966-2417
Email: mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu
Website: cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener