How do you grow asparagus for beginners?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.By planting asparagus, you are rewarded with decades of harvest compared to annual vegetables which can only be harvested once. Unlike annual vegetables, asparagus requires 3 years of growth before it can be harvested for a full season. It is best to start with disease-resistant, healthy male hybrids not only do they grow 30% more spears, but they are also more resilient to pests and diseases. You will thank yourself in 5-10 years for the time you put in with proper soil amendments and selecting the right varieties!
pH Balancing
- Test soil with digital meter ($20-40 range)
- Aim for 6.5-7.0 pH
- Add lime in fall if below 6.2
- Use sulfur if above 7.5
Clay Soil Fixes
- Mix 4" coarse sand + compost
- Create raised beds for drainage
- Avoid tilling when wet to prevent compaction
Plant crowns in 8-10 inch trenches for sandy soil; for clay soil, dig 6-inch trenches. Position buds facing upward, and let roots spread outward like octopus legs. I once planted 50 crowns upside down; only 12 survived! Backfill trenches continuously as the ferns grow (you will be backfilling to at or near ground level by midsummer).
Timing
- Year 1: No harvest
- Year 2: 2-week maximum
- Year 3+: 6-8 weeks
Storage
- Refrigerate at 34-38°F with damp towel
- Freeze within 4 hours for best texture
- Avoid washing before storage to prevent mold
You can combat these insect pests by using neem oil sprays during the early morning when the beetles are sluggish moving across the foliage. When I experienced my worst infestation, I learned to remove fern debris in the fall before winter; without debris to hide in, the beetles would starve. I mulch with straw, but not with grass clippings, because they were moist and I did not want to risk crown rot from extra moisture.
Read the full article: How to Grow Asparagus: Expert Tips for Perennial Success
