Asparagus might not be the most popular vegetable for home gardens, but those who decide to grow it will find the effort rewarding. Even though it takes a bit of patience—around three years—gardening enthusiasts can enjoy tender asparagus shoots for up to 20 years with minimal work after the initial planting.
If you’ve never encountered an asparagus plant before, you may be surprised by its unique look. Rather than the leaves and stems commonly seen in other plants, asparagus spears rise from the ground like small sticks.
For those interested in cultivating asparagus, here are some key points to consider. In USDA hardiness zones 3-8, asparagus is a perennial, meaning you won’t need to replant it each year. It’s essential to choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. A great way to enhance soil fertility is by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
While growing asparagus from seeds is an option, planting year-old crowns—dormant root systems—is highly recommended. You can find these crowns in local garden centers or through catalogs. Using crowns will give you a jumpstart, allowing you to harvest asparagus a year earlier than if you were to start from seeds.
When you’re ready to plant, choose a weed-free area and prepare your beds in early spring. Dig trenches that are 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 12 inches deep, spacing each trench about 3 feet apart if planting multiple rows. Place the crowns about 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench, spreading the roots at the bottom before covering them with 2 to 3 inches of soil and watering thoroughly.
As the asparagus shoots grow, gently add more soil until the crowns are fully covered and the trench is filled. Applying mulch can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. During dry spells, make sure to water your plants deeply, but be careful not to overwater.
It’s important to let the plants develop undisturbed for the first two years. You can start harvesting in the spring of the third year when the stalks reach a height of 6 to 10 inches and are roughly the thickness of a pencil. Use a sharp knife to cut each stalk just below the soil line, taking care not to damage any emerging stalks. Depending on your climate, you can harvest for approximately six weeks; for example, in some suburban gardens in New York, asparagus can be harvested until early July.
Be mindful not to harvest the asparagus after the initial six-week period. Leaving some stalks in place allows the plants to store energy for next year’s growth. After the season ends, you will see fern-like fronds where the spears grew. It’s best to leave these fronds until they turn brown, then prune them back to ground level.
As for companion planting, steer clear of onions and garlic, as they can stunt asparagus growth. Following these guidelines will help ensure a successful asparagus garden that provides fresh produce for many years.
