Planting and Growing Asparagus

In this video, Tricia shares her tips for planting and growing asparagus.

How to Grow Fresh Asparagus in Your Garden

Asparagus is a delicious and perennial vegetable that can reward your garden with fresh harvests for 15 to 20 years. While the initial planting requires some effort, the long-term benefits make it well worth the investment. Whether you're in USDA zone 4 or 8, here’s how you can grow your own asparagus and enjoy it year after year.

Preparing the Soil

A well-prepared asparagus bed is key to long-term productivity. Asparagus thrives in full sun, loose soil, and good drainage. If you’re not planting in raised beds, double-dig your soil:

  • Remove the topsoil and loosen the subsoil to a depth of about 12 inches.
  • Return the topsoil and enrich it with organic compost and a slow-release phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, such as a foothill fertilizer mix.
  • Test your soil’s pH to ensure it’s neutral, around 7.

Planting Asparagus

Asparagus crowns, rather than seeds, are the best choice for a quicker harvest.

  1. Dig an 8-inch trench and add composted manure at the bottom. Cover the manure with 1–2 inches of soil.
  2. Space the crowns 18 inches apart, spreading the roots out like a squid. Cover with 2 inches of soil.
  3. As the asparagus grows, continue adding soil 2 inches at a time until it’s level with the surrounding soil.

Care and Harvest

  • In the first year, avoid harvesting to allow the plants to establish.
  • During the second year, perform a light harvest.
  • From the third year onward, enjoy a full 8–12 week harvest season.

With proper care and soil preparation, your asparagus bed will provide you with fresh, organic asparagus for years to come.

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