9 Time-Tested Tactics to Grow Robust Asparagus Year-Round

Dreaming of fresh asparagus from your garden?

You’re in the right place!

Growing asparagus isn’t as hard as you think. Here are 9 tactics to help you get started and succeed.

Let’s get your garden growing!

Choose the Right Spot

Start by picking a sunny spot in your garden. Asparagus loves sunlight and needs about 8 hours of direct sun each day.

Make sure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogged roots. A well-chosen spot can really boost your asparagus growth.

Prepare the Soil

Asparagus thrives in rich, fertile soil. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to give your asparagus the nutrients it needs.

Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 to 7.5. A little prep work now will pay off big time later!

Planting the Crowns

Plant asparagus crowns in the spring, once the soil is workable. Dig trenches about 12-18 inches apart and 6-8 inches deep.

Space the crowns 12-18 inches apart in the trench. Cover them with 2-3 inches of soil, and as they grow, gradually fill in the trench.

Easy peasy!

Watering Routine

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in the first couple of years. Water deeply once a week, more often if it’s super hot out.

Mulching can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Weed Control

Weeds compete for nutrients, so keep them in check. Hand-pull weeds regularly or use mulch to smother them.

Avoid using chemical herbicides as they can harm your asparagus plants.

Fertilize Annually

Every spring, give your asparagus a feeding. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost.

Fertilizing helps replenish nutrients and encourages healthy growth. Your plants will thank you by producing tasty spears!

Be Patient

Asparagus takes a while to establish itself. In the first year, you shouldn’t harvest any spears at all.

In the second year, you can harvest for a couple of weeks. By the third year, you’re ready for a full harvest.

Trust us, it’s worth the wait!

Harvest Properly

When harvesting, snap the spears off at ground level once they’re about 6-8 inches tall. Harvest in the morning for the best taste.

Be gentle and avoid pulling too hard, so you don’t damage the crowns.

Cut Back in Fall

After the first frost kills off the foliage, cut the plants back to ground level. This helps prevent diseases and makes your garden look tidy.

Plus, it sets your asparagus up for a strong start next spring.

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