On Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22nd, the goal of the Black Cat Farm’s great asparagus project was to prepare two acres for and plant asparagus on the Lousberg City of Boulder Open Space property at Jay Road and 51st Street. However, the asparagus crowns did not arrive in time and the ground preparation (creating 10-inch trenches and placing drip tape and compost on the bottom of the trenches) took longer than one day even with the help of over 20 volunteers.
The new goal is to plant all of the asparagus on Monday, April 28th from 10am to 2pm. Planting involves placing the asparagus crowns 18 inches apart and covering them with dirt. The Black Cat Farm needs planting help from you farm and asparagus lovers. If you are interested in significantly increasing the local asparagus supply by providing planting help, bring gloves, hat, water, sun screen, sturdy shoes, and lunch.
If the project succeeds, Black Cat Farm hopes to sell 800-1000 pounds of asparagus at the Boulder Farmers’ Market next year and more in subsequent years.
And if you’re a sucker for cute baby farm animals, the Black Cat Farm sheep flock is grazing next to the asparagus fields and includes lots of spring lambs.
