Asparagus Growing Guide

Planting Asparagus

These plants will grow in most soils provided they are not too wet and are adequately drained.
Dig a large hole at least 30 cm (12 in) deep. Mix in some well rotted manure or compost and a handful of bone meal or general fertilizer.
Spread out the roots so that they are not coiled in the bottom of the hole.
Plant them 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) deep and space 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart.
Water thoroughly after planting.

Growing Asparagus

These plants do not appreciate being moved so it is important to ensure they are planted in good, fertile soil.
Once planted the addition of organic mulch will help retain moisture in the soil as well as keeping down the weeds. It is important not to put the mulch directly on the crown. Wet mulch on the crown can cause crown rot.

Care Asparagus

Wait until the second year to start harvesting and then harvest for 3 to 4 weeks.
Although the first year’s harvest will be small, the yield will improve year by year. Harvests in following years can be done from spring to early summer.
When harvesting, bend the shoots over until they snap off. This method of harvesting will increase next year’s harvest.

Winterizing Asparagus

Once harvesting is stopped, the asparagus will develop fern-like foliage. When the leaves turn brown in summer, trim the brown ones off. The plants will then enter dormancy and provide shoots again next year.
The rootstocks themselves are inedible.