Asparagus
Growing Asparagus
Asparagus is a long-lasting perennial vegetable that can produce for many years when planted and cared for properly. While it takes patience to establish, the reward is fresh spears each spring for seasons to come.
Temperature, Soil & Fertility
Asparagus grows best in deep, well-drained soil, especially sandy loam, but it can grow in other soil types if drainage is good. The soil pH should be close to neutral, ideally between 6.8 and 7.0. Moderate fertility is best because it encourages healthy root development without causing too much leafy growth.
Planting and Growing
Plant asparagus in early spring, around the same time potatoes are planted. Because asparagus is a perennial crop, place it along the north or east side of the garden so it doesn’t shade shorter plants.
Before planting, mix fertilizer into the soil and add lime if the soil pH is too low. Dig V-shaped trenches about 6 to 8 inches deep. Place asparagus crowns on their sides in the trench, spacing them 10 to 12 inches apart. Rows should be spaced 4 to 5 feet apart or at least 3 feet away from other crops if planting a single row.
Cover the crowns with 1 to 3 inches of soil at first. As the plants grow, slowly fill in the trench until it reaches ground level by the end of the first growing season. During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply about once per week.
In late summer, apply additional fertilizer to support plant growth. In the fall, after the stalks turn brown, remove the old growth and any weeds. Continue fertilizing and maintaining proper soil pH each spring to keep plants healthy and productive.
Harvesting
Do not harvest asparagus during the first growing season. In the second year, harvest spears for about two weeks, but only if plants produced strong, tall growth the year before. In later years, you can harvest for 6 to 8 weeks each spring. During harvest season, pick all spears that emerge to encourage continued production.
Storing Asparagus Crowns
If you cannot plant asparagus crowns right away, store them in a cool, dry place until conditions are suitable. If the crowns begin to dry out, soak them in water for about one hour before planting.