How to Plant Asparagus
- Plant crowns deeply to protect them from the cultivation needed for annual weed control.
- Dig a trench of about 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. If digging more than one trench, space the trenches at least 3 feet apart.
- Soak the crowns briefly in lukewarm water before planting.
- Make a 2-inch-high ridge of soil along the center of the trench and place the asparagus crowns on top of the mound, spreading their roots out evenly.
- Within the trench, space asparagus crowns 12 to 18 inches apart (measured from root tip to root tip).
How far apart do you plant asparagus?
Planting Asparagus. To plant asparagus crowns, dig trenches 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep (8 inches in sandy soil) down the center of the prepared bed. Soak the crowns in compost tea for 20 minutes before planting. Place the crowns in the trenches 1½ to 2 feet apart; top them with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
How do you prepare the soil for asparagus?
For a long-lived perennial like asparagus, it pays to take the time to improve your soil before you plant it. Work in plenty of organic matter and make sure the soil pH is in the neutral 6.0 to 7.0 range. Also get rid of any weeds and large stones in the area, before planting.
How long does it take to grow asparagus?
For faster results, most people plant asparagus from one-year crowns, which gives you a head-start to the rooting stage. In addition, this method allows you to harvest your plants within a year.
What is the best temperature to grow asparagus?
During the growing season, asparagus prefers a temperature of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 to 70 degrees at night. In the spring, it will begin to grow shoots when the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees.
How deep do you bury asparagus roots?
Plant crowns deeply to protect them from the cultivation needed for annual weed control. Dig a trench of about 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. If digging more than one trench, space the trenches at least 3 feet apart.
Why do you plant asparagus so deep?
For one thing, the asparagus crown needs to be planted deeply so that you don't have spindly spears, and if the seed is planted where it needs to be to germinate, the crown won't be deep enough.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
How do you plant bare root asparagus?
Bare Root AsparagusAmend the soil with a planting mix like Soil Booster. Dig a trench 8-10” deep. ... Place asparagus crowns 12” apart spreading roots over the mound. Cover crowns with 2” of soil.As tips emerge fill soil around them. ... It takes asparagus 2-3 years to reach maturity.
Should I put lime on my asparagus bed?
Lime for asparagus: Among the list of common garden vegetables, asparagus is probably the one that loves lime the most. Lime for asparagus is necessary to give the plant the 'sweet' alkaline soil it craves. Asparagus only needs a slightly alkaline soil, but it can tolerate soil pH up to 8.0.
What is best mulch for asparagus?
Straw, pine needles, pine shavings or bark mulch work well as mulch choices. Avoid using dyed mulches (black or red). Avoid using synthetic mulches like black plastic or landscape fabric.
Can you plant asparagus too deep?
Cultivating too deep, or at the wrong time in the season, can damage the crowns and emerging spears. There are two times when asparagus beds can be cultivated: Before the spears come up in the spring, and after all of the spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June.
Will asparagus spread on its own?
Yes, asparagus will spread as it grows. Asparagus roots can spread out up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) underground. Asparagus ferns (mature spears with foliage) can spread out 3 feet (90 centimeters) above ground. An older, more mature asparagus plant will send up more spears from its larger crown and energy reserves.
When should I burn my asparagus?
In spring, it is best to remove them from the field and burn or compost them elsewhere in order to minimize asparagus insect pests like asparagus beetles and pathogens that have been overwintering in the ferns.
Should I soak my asparagus roots before planting?
Separate the asparagus crowns from the bundle and soak the bare-root asparagus roots in water* for 15-30 minutes prior to planting so that they are well hydrated going into the ground. *for a jump-start, consider soaking your asparagus in nutrient-rich organic compost- or manure-tea!
Do you need to soak asparagus roots before planting?
Soak asparagus roots for several hours or overnight in water prior to planting. Begin by planting the crown about 2 inches deep and plan to add top soil over the crowns as the bed matures. Plant asparagus roots about a foot apart, being sure the crowns are not touching one another in the planting trench.
How do you prepare the soil for asparagus?
Asparagus does best in lighter soils that warm up quickly in spring and drain well; standing water will quickly rot the roots. Prepare a planting bed for your asparagus —simple raised beds work best — that's about 4 feet wide by removing all perennial weeds and roots, and digging in aged manure or compost.
What happens if you plant asparagus too deep?
Cultivating too deep, or at the wrong time in the season, can damage the crowns and emerging spears. There are two times when asparagus beds can be cultivated: Before the spears come up in the spring, and after all of the spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June.
Are asparagus shallow rooted?
Asparagus only has shallow roots so during the summer water your asparagus so that it doesn't dry out. In autumn, cut back any yellowing foliage. Now is also a good time to add a layer of organic matter as a mulch ready to keep your asparagus warm and protected during the winter.
Can asparagus be planted in pots?
You can grow asparagus asparagus in pots from seeds, crowns (roots), or transplants. Asparagus seeds should be either started inside in February or planted outside in April. Spread the roots out in the hole as evenly as possible if you plant a crown and leave a six-inch cavity above the crown.
Why does my asparagus fall over?
Your asparagus plants are falling over because of frost, pests like cutworms, and asparagus beetles. It could also be due to a lack of support, sunlight, or water. A strong wind can also break the plant when it has grown quite tall.