What is the best way to plant asparagus?
Young asparagus plants will grow here for their first year. The site for the asparagus nursery should be level and have sandy soil. Plant seed in spring, about one inch deep, spaced two to three inches apart, within rows that are a foot apart. Seeds can take three weeks to germinate.
When should asparagus be planted?
spring
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.
Should you soak asparagus crowns before planting?
Planting Asparagus Crowns Planting crowns will establish your asparagus bed faster so that you can harvest the asparagus sooner. Soak it in tepid water for two to three hours before you’re ready to plant. Asparagus planting instructions recommend that you plant the crowns 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm.) apart.
Do you cover the crown when planting asparagus?
Set the asparagus crown on top and drape the roots down around the sides. The top of the crown should be approximately 6″ below the soil surface. Cover the roots with garden soil right up to the crown and water well. So keep your asparagus bed well-mulched from the start, using shredded leaves or straw.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?
Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves. The grounds also add some nitrogen, which is a regular nutrition need of asparagus.
Do you plant asparagus in full sun?
Growing Conditions Site – Full sun is ideal. Asparagus needs at least 8 hours of sun per day. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial, do not plant where trees or tall shrubs might eventually shade the plants or compete for nutrients and water.
What can you not plant with asparagus?
There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus:
- Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth.
- Potatoes. Asparagus, on the other hand, stunts the growth of potatoes when they share the same space.
How do you take care of asparagus roots before planting?
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. Two weeks later, add another inch or two of soil. Continue adding soil periodically until it is slightly mounded above surface level to allow for settling.
How long does it take to grow asparagus?
It takes three to four years for a young plant to develop the maturity needed to support annual harvests that last four to six weeks. Until then, one must harvest sparingly.
Can you plant asparagus in a raised bed?
By planting the asparagus crowns in a raised bed with a soil mix that includes loamy, organic matter, you can ensure good drainage. Another reason to plant asparagus in a raised bed is because it is a perennial crop and can remain productive for 10 to 12 years.
How do you grow asparagus in Minnesota?
Asparagus spears are the part of the plant that goes to harvest but the ferns, crowns and seeds are just as important. Select the right variety of asparagus for Minnesota’s climate. Consider soil drainage, sunlight, soil texture, irrigation and soil pH when choosing a planting site.
What are the best tips for planting asparagus?
Consider soil drainage, sunlight, soil texture, irrigation and soil pH when choosing a planting site. Following the steps outlined in planting a new asparagus crop will help ensure that your investment pays off. Asparagus is a high-value perennial crop and plants can live and produce for more than 15 years in Minnesota.
How do you know when asparagus is ready to harvest?
Spears continually emerge from the underground buds on the crown of the plant for several weeks in the spring and summer. Spears that are not harvested will keep growing and turn into ferns. This happens at the end of each harvest season, and in newly planted asparagus stands that are not harvested.
What is the Crown of an asparagus plant?
The crown is the belowground part of the asparagus plant that includes roots, rhizomes and buds. The spears grow off of the buds during the growing season. During the dormant season (winter) the crowns store energy in the form of carbohydrates that allow the plant to keep growing from year to year.