Asparagus Planting Instructions and FAQ's
How to plant Asparagus
Eliminate all weeds by repeated tilling. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2 to 4 inch layer of compost. Prepare the bed by digging trenches 4 feet apart. The trenches should be 12 inches wide and 6 to 12 inches deep. Soak the crowns briefly in warm water (NOT HOT) before planting. Draw a hoe along each side of the prepared trench to form a mound in the center running the length of the trench. Set the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart on the mounds in the trench, draping the roots over the sides. Cover the crowns with a mix of one part compost to three parts topsoil, burying the crowns 2 inches deep. Water the bed thoroughly. After about a month, once shoots have appeared, carefully add more soil to the trench. Once the beds have been established for one year they may be harvested when spears reach 8 inches tall. If you cannot plant upon arrival these can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Planting Tips for Asparagus
- Asparagus has male and female plants, with the female plants producing berries. Regions with cool winters are best for this cool-season crop.
- It may take 2 to 3 years to get started and produce, so patience is needed! But then the plant can be productive up to 20 years.
- Asparagus is planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
- Asparagus does not like to have its feet 'wet,€ so be sure your bed has good drainage. For that reason, raised beds can be a good place to plant asparagus.
- When the trench is filled, add a 4 to 8 inch layer of mulch and water regularly.
- Do not harvest the spears in the first year, but cut down dead foliage in late fall and side-dress with compost.
- During the second year, keep the bed thickly mulched, side-dress in spring and early fall, and cut down dead foliage in late fall.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I grow these in my area?
To find out if a plant will grow in you area you need to Google your hardiness zone and check that with hardiness zone for the plant. You can also look at the USDA or the Department of Agriculture in your area.
What is a bare root plant?
It is in a dormant state and is shipped with no soil.
I see mold on my bare roots, will it be ok?
Yes it will be ok. Just wash it off in some warm (not hot) water.
How old are the roots?
They are 2 year old roots.
How long before I can harvest?
The plant will produce this season. However, we suggest you do not harvest until the plant has been in the ground for a year. This will give the plant time to establish.
