To grow asparagus successfully, follow these key steps:
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
- Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Full sun is ideal, but asparagus can tolerate some dappled shade.
- The soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5; if too acidic, add lime to raise the pH.
- Prepare the bed by thoroughly weeding and digging in plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted manure or garden compost (about a bucketful per square meter).
- For heavy soils, consider creating a raised bed to improve drainage
Planting
- The easiest method is to plant dormant one-year-old bare-root crowns.
- Dig trenches about 30 cm (12 in) wide and 20 cm (8 in) deep.
- Add compost or manure to the trench base, cover with 5 cm of soil, then create a 10 cm high soil ridge in the center.
- Place crowns on top of the ridge with growing points facing up, spacing them 30–45 cm (12–18 in) apart.
- Spread roots evenly and cover with soil mixed with organic matter, leaving the buds just visible.
- Space rows 45 cm (18 in) apart and stagger plants between rows.
- Water well and mulch with 5 cm of well-rotted manure or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Growing from Seed (Optional)
- Sow seeds indoors or outdoors in spring, about 2.5 cm (1 in) deep.
- Thin seedlings to 15 cm (6 in) apart and protect from slugs.
- Transplant seedlings to their final growing site after one year.
- Seeds take longer to mature than crowns and require patience
Care and Maintenance
- Weed regularly by hand to avoid damaging shallow roots.
- Mulch annually in late winter to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Water new plants regularly during the first summer; established plants are drought tolerant but benefit from watering in dry spells.
- Apply a high-potassium fertilizer in early spring if growth is poor.
- Support tall plants with stakes and twine to prevent wind damage.
- Remove female plants if growing an all-male variety to maintain vigor
Harvesting
- Do not harvest in the first two years to allow crowns to establish.
- In the third year, cut spears with a sharp knife about 2.5 cm (1 in) below soil surface when they reach 18 cm (7 in) tall or finger thickness.
- Harvest every 2–3 days during the growing season.
- After harvesting, allow ferns to grow fully and cut them back in autumn when they yellow
Following these steps will help you establish a productive asparagus bed that can yield for 15-20 years or more.
