To plant asparagus, follow these steps:
- Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
- Choose a warm, sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil. Asparagus prefers full sun but tolerates some shade.
- Remove weeds and loosen the soil deeply by digging to a spade's depth.
- Amend the soil with well-rotted organic matter (compost or manure) to improve fertility and drainage.
- Planting Method:
- Asparagus is typically planted as crowns (1-2 years old plants) rather than seeds for quicker production.
- Dig a trench or furrow about 8-10 inches deep and 12-15 inches wide.
- Place a mound (ridge) of soil or compost in the trench on which to arrange crowns.
- Space the crowns about 12-18 inches apart, spreading the roots evenly over the ridge, with buds facing up.
- Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil initially, then gradually fill the trench as shoots grow.
- Watering and Care:
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and hydrate roots.
- Maintain soil moisture but avoid waterlogging.
- Apply mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
- Harvest Timing:
- Do not harvest in the first year to allow crowns to establish.
- Light harvest can begin in the second year with limited spears.
- Full harvest should start from the third year onward.
- Optional Seed Starting:
- Seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors in early spring but take longer to produce harvestable asparagus.
- Seedlings are transplanted after one year.
Planting asparagus requires some patience as it may take 2-3 years to yield a full crop, but once established, asparagus beds can be productive for many years.
