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.

Helpful Resources for Growing Asparagus

Want to learn more about starting and maintaining a successful asparagus bed? Check out these in-depth articles and guides from Grow Organic:

Back to blog

Related Products

1 5