It’s a claim that the farmers and chefs of Hampshire County in Western Massachusetts are ready to stand by when it comes to asparagus. Hampshire County, home to New England’s most productive farmland, has been called the “Asparagus Capital of the World” for its prolific abundance of the crop.
Can you grow asparagus in the Northeast?
Once an asparagus bed is established, if it is well cared for, it can last for over 20 years. Rutgers University in New Jersey has had a very active asparagus breeding program and has developed a number of varieties well adapted to northeastern growing conditions.
What zones can you grow asparagus?
A hardy perennial adapted in Zones 3 to 8, asparagus grows best in well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
How many years does it take for asparagus to grow?
3 years
Although asparagus can be started from seed, the plants take 3 years to mature, so it is usually grown from 1-year-old crowns. However, the plant can be productive for 10 years or more, so it’s worth the wait. You can start planting and growing asparagus as soon as the soil is workable in late winter or early spring.
Can you grow asparagus in the Midwest?
Asparagus is a high-yielding, early-season vegetable for home gardeners and commercial growers across Missouri. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), which is in the same family of vegetables as onion, is grown as a perennial vegetable in Missouri and can yield for 10 or more years.
How do you grow asparagus in Massachusetts?
Asparagus will not tolerate extreme acidity, and should be grown on soil with a pH range of 6.5 – 7.0. Have your soil tested by the UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab and follow the recommendations given. Strongly acid soils should be limed according to recommendations.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Plant transplants outside from November – February 15. Prepare the asparagus bed by adding compost and composted manure to create rich soil. If planting from seed, start seeds in small containers with potting soil or directly in the beds.
Will asparagus survive winter in a raised bed?
In mild climates, the root crowns of asparagus need no special winter care, but in cooler regions, winterizing the asparagus bed is a must.
Is asparagus hard to grow?
Asparagus is easy to grow, producing tasty new shoots from mid-spring to early summer – a seasonal treat to be savoured. These large perennial plants need to be grown in the ground, rather than in containers, where they will crop annually for many years.
How much asparagus do you get from one plant?
A mature stand of asparagus plants produces spears over several weeks, up to eight weeks. During this time, a healthy plant should yield around 20 spears.
Does asparagus come back every year?
Unlike most vegetables, asparagus plants are perennial, which means the same plants grow in your garden year after year. The spears that we enjoy as a vegetable are the new shoots that emerge in spring.
How many asparagus should I plant?
But, if space is not an issue, 10-20 plants per person is a good start. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, site selection is going to be important. It’s not uncommon for asparagus plantings to last for 15+ years. It does best in well-drained soils that are in full sun.
Will deer eat asparagus?
Plants of the cabbage family are not deer resistant, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Deer avoid mature asparagus plants, but deer and many other animals love the new shoots. Globe artichokes are often grown as deer barriers.
Can I grow asparagus from store bought asparagus?
Soak your asparagus crowns in warm or compost water for fifteen minutes and then plant them. The plants should be anchored in the trenches. Water it afterward.
Can you pick asparagus the first year?
No spears should be harvested during the first growing season. Asparagus can be harvested over a three to four week period during its second growing season. In following years, asparagus plantings can be harvested until early to mid-June.
When can I plant asparagus in Massachusetts?
As you may have already guessed, you need to pay very close attention to your local weather in the spring. Specifically, you are going to need to watch when the last frost occurs. In general, when there hasn’t been a frost for two weeks, you are SAFE to plant your asparagus outside in Massachusetts!
How big should an asparagus bed be?
Dig a trench 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep where the crowns are to be planted. Rows of asparagus should be at least 2 feet apart, allowing two rows to fit in a 4-foot wide bed.
How cold hardy is asparagus?
Asparagus is pretty cold hardy, so if the plants were in good health going into winter, they should be OK. This chilly spring was very slow for plant development – asparagus begins to emerge once the soil temperature reaches about 50°F. A few warm sunny days should bring up more spears soon.
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.
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Full sun
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.
Can you grow 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.