How to Plant and Grow Asparagus: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to learn how to plant and grow asparagus? Asparagus is a perennial crop that can last up to 20 years if properly cared for. In this blog post, I will take you through the step-by-step process of growing asparagus from crowns, which is the most popular way of growing asparagus.

To start with, you need to select the variety of asparagus you want to grow. There are several types of asparagus, including New Jersey, Mary Washington, and Green Mary Washington. Once you have chosen your preferred variety, the best time to plant asparagus crowns is in early spring.

Before planting, you need to prepare the soil properly. Asparagus likes loose soil that is rich in organic matter, and it does not like weed competition. The soil pH should be between 6.5 to 7.0. If your soil is acidic, you need to amend it to raise the pH level using wood ash or ash from your fireplace. This will also add potassium and phosphorus to the soil.

Site selection is crucial when it comes to growing asparagus. Asparagus likes full sun and well-drained soil. Sandy soil is ideal for growing asparagus, while clay soil needs to be amended with compost to enhance drainage. Compost also helps to retain moisture in sandy soils.

The next step is to plant the asparagus crowns. Dig a trench at least 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide, and plant the crowns 18 inches apart. Water the crowns and keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Mulch your asparagus bed to keep weeds down and retain moisture in the soil.

Asparagus can be attacked by several pests, including cutworms, beetles, aphids, and asparagus miners. To get rid of these pests, use neem oil and pure castle soap, bt spray, spinosad spray, and diatomaceous earth.

In conclusion, growing asparagus from crowns is easy and rewarding. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of asparagus for up to 20 years. So, get your hands dirty, and plant some asparagus today!

I hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more gardening tips and tricks. Thank you for reading!