How To Plant Asparagus: ​

When to Plant:  

Plant your asparagus crowns in the spring as soon as danger from frost is past.   Your soil should be easy to till and no longer muddy, free of any weeds or grass.

Where to Plant:

Place your asparagus bed in an area where they can spread and grow for many years.  Choose a spot that has fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 located in full sun to light afternoon shade.   Asparagus plants will not tolerate soggy areas with poor drainage.  

How to Plant:

With a little extra care given at the time of planting, your asparagus bed will thrive for many years.  Begin with a weed free area and add a 2” layer of rich, sterile compost worked into the soil.   Dig a trench 6” deep and place the crowns at the bottom with the roots spread out.  Top with 2-3 inches of soil and over the course of several weeks continue to add soil until the row it slightly mounded in the middle of the bed.   This row will fill in to form a bed roughly 2’ wide.   A cover of mulch is recommended to keep weeds at bay.

Time to Harvest:

Your first harvest can take place one year after planting.  Harvest several spears from each plant over the course of several weeks then allow the plants to grow their lovely ornamental ferns.   The first harvest should be limited as the plants need to put their energy into developing a fully mature root system.  By the fourth season you should be harvesting for a full 8 week period.   As soon as the spears are 8” tall cut off with a sharp knife or snap off with your fingers at or just below the soil surface.  Store harvested roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, ready to use fresh or process.

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