How to Grow and Care for Asparagus in Your Garden
Asparagus is a hardy perennial vegetable that has been cultivated for centuries. It is a great addition to any home garden because it is long-lasting, nutritious, and relatively easy to maintain once established. With the right planting techniques and care, asparagus beds can provide delicious spears for up to 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and growing asparagus successfully.
Click here to access the complete Asparagus Growing Guide (PDF) for detailed information on soil preparation, planting, and long-term care.
Choosing the Right Location
Since asparagus is a long-lived crop, it’s important to plant it in a permanent location. The ideal site should have rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 7.0 and 7.2. Asparagus requires full sun to thrive, so choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
One challenge when growing asparagus is the presence of underground pests like gophers. To protect your plants, consider installing gopher traps, wire barriers, or wire baskets before planting.
Heeling In Bare-Root Asparagus
If your bare-root asparagus arrives before you’re ready to plant, you can “heel in” the plants temporarily to keep them alive while still dormant.
- Outdoors: Choose a wind-sheltered location and dig a trench twice as deep as the roots are long. Place the asparagus roots in the trench at a 45° angle and cover them with soil or sand, making sure the roots stay moist.
- Indoors: If the ground is frozen, store the roots in a cool place (between 38°F and 45°F) such as a root cellar, garage, or basement. Place them in a container filled with soil or sand, keeping the root area moist.
Planting Asparagus
Once the soil reaches at least 50°F and the pH is around 7.0, it’s time to plant your asparagus.
- Prepare the Soil – If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with compost and add a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in phosphorus and potassium.
- Dig Trenches – Dig a trench about 6–8 inches deep with at least 4 feet between rows.
- Plant the Crowns – Spread the roots in the trench and space the crowns about 18 inches apart.
- Cover the Roots – Initially, cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil. As the shoots begin to grow, gradually add more soil until the trench is level with the ground.
- Water and Weed Regularly – Keeping the soil moist and weed-free will help your plants establish strong root systems.
Growing and Harvesting Asparagus
During the first year, allow the plants to grow without harvesting. The goal is to let the spears develop into ferns, which help direct energy back into the roots for stronger plants in the future.
- Year 1: No harvesting; let the spears grow into ferns.
- Year 2: Light harvesting can begin, cutting only a few spears per plant.
- Year 3 and Beyond: Full harvesting can begin, lasting about 8–12 weeks each season. To harvest, cut spears 1–2 inches below the soil but at least 2 inches above the crown.
Organic Care and Maintenance
Asparagus is a relatively low-maintenance crop once established. However, to maximize yield and keep plants healthy, follow these organic gardening practices:
- Fertilization: Apply compost or organic fertilizer annually in early spring.
- Weed Control: Keep the beds weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest Prevention: Watch for common asparagus pests such as asparagus beetles. Hand-pick them or use organic insecticides if necessary.
- Fall Care: Cut back the ferns after they turn yellow in the fall, which helps prevent disease.
Troubleshooting Common Asparagus Issues
- Weak or Thin Spears: This can be caused by overharvesting in the early years or a lack of nutrients in the soil. Apply compost or organic fertilizer to improve soil health.
- Pests and Diseases: Asparagus beetles and rust are common issues. Regular monitoring and good cultural practices help keep these problems at bay.
- Poor Drainage: Asparagus does not tolerate waterlogged soil. If drainage is an issue, consider planting in raised beds.
Limited Dormant Plant Guarantee
If you purchase asparagus crowns and they do not leaf out by May 15th, you may be eligible for a store credit under the Limited Dormant Plant Guarantee. To qualify, follow these steps:
- Perform a scratch test to check if the plant is still alive.
- Submit required documentation by June 15th, including order number, plant name, and photos.
- Ensure your plants were planted in the ground by April 1st.
For questions or concerns, contact groworganic.com for assistance.
Conclusion
Asparagus is a fantastic addition to any organic garden, offering fresh, flavorful spears for many years. By selecting a proper planting site, maintaining soil health, and following organic gardening techniques, you’ll enjoy an abundant harvest season after season. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing asparagus is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor. Happy planting!
