Tips for Growing Asparagus

For some reason the thought of growing Asparagus scares people. They assume it is too difficult to grow. Instead of incorporating it into their gardens, they spend too much buying it at the grocery store. I have a few tips, that can make growing Asparagus easy.

Asparagus is not your usual run of the mill garden plant. It is a Perennial, and It takes a full three or four years to be able to enjoy a harvest. So just thinking about can waste valuable time. When growing Asparagus, quicker is best.

I would not even consider starting this plant from a seed. The best way is to buy one year old "crowns". These are roots and come in packs containing anywhere from ten to 25 plants.

You will need to prepare a garden area. A 8 by 12 foot area should be big enough for a small family. Grouping Asparagus with other plants is not a good idea. They are taller then other plants and will block any sunlight. They will need their own area. Asparagus need to be on a raised bed. Meaning there should be ample trenches on either side of the rows. I chose to have the one long row. But you can make several smaller rows to accommodate your space. Asparagus plants enjoy the sunlight. Although most plants need shade, this plant loves direct light.

Although you can plant these crowns at anytime, I planted mine at the end of September. They need ample time to go through the process of becoming mature enough to eat.

Do not be concerned with leaves gathering in the trenches.These help keep the plants hydrated. Always make sure they are getting enough water. Especially in the spring and summer when they are growing. Do not be concerned the first two years when the plants turn yellow and die, and never remove them. They serve as nutrients for the next year when they grow. Also keep an eye out for any weeds. They might compete with the plant for nutrients and water.

During anytime of the year, feel free to add dried leaves and manure to the trenches. If you do not have access to manure any fertilizer can be used. This is a very good idea to maintain healthy, large Asparagus plants.

The third year is the best time to enjoy your Asparagus harvest. If there are plants a little smaller than others, skip picking them and wait another year. Never cut your Asparagus with a knife. Simply snap them off where they start to get tough.

A healthy well taken care of Asparagus patch can produce the vegetables for years to come. I look forward every spring, to this delicious treat.