Growing Asparagus

Asparagus is one of those plants that requires a little patience initially but once established will reward you for years to come.

Location

Picking the best spot available is important as it will likely be year two or three before you'll know whether a good crop is produced. Choose a location exposed to at least 6 hours of sunshine a day and where possible a close to neutral soil. Asparagus also prefer a well draining soil over a heavy wet soil.

The method

1. Although Asparagus can be grown from seed we recommend using crowns for quicker results.

2. Dig a trench 6 inches deep and twice as wide in early spring placing crowns into the trench 12 inches apart.

3. Covering the crowns is a gradual process, initially cover the crowns with 3 inches of soil slowly adding more soil as the crowns grow until reaching the top of the trench.

4. Asparagus requires regular watering, particularly during the first year of growing. Adding mulch will help retain soil moisture.

5. Water the asparagus bed regularly, especially in the first couple of years while the plants establish themselves. Adding mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which compete for nutrients.

The temptation to harvest Asparagus in the first year must be resisted to give the crowns time to develop. A light harvest in the second year followed by full harvesting in the third year.

Asparagus is ready to harvest in early spring when spears reach 6-8 inches tall. Using a sharp tool cut the spear at the ground level. Follow this technique for 6 weeks then allow growth to continue unobstructed and replenish the roots.

Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring and again after harvest.

Harvesting