Things to Consider Before Planting Asparagus Separate the asparagus crowns from the bundle and soak the bare-root asparagus roots in water* for 15-30 minutes prior to planting so that they are well hydrated going into the ground.
Should I soak my asparagus crowns?
How do I plant Asparagus crowns? Soak asparagus roots for several hours or overnight in water prior to planting. Begin by planting the crown about 2 inches deep and plan to add top soil over the crowns as the bed matures.
How long do asparagus roots last before planting?
A quick guide to asparagus
An asparagus plant can last 15 years. Choose its spot in the garden carefully. You can start asparagus from seed or from one-year-old roots, called “crowns.”
How do you transplant asparagus roots?
If you must move asparagus, transplant the crowns in early spring when they are dormant or in late fall before the first fall frost (after foliage is cut back). Dig and lift crowns with a garden fork, being very careful not to disturb the roots. Divide the clump into two or more pieces. Water transplants.
How deep should asparagus roots be planted?
At initial planting, an asparagus root crown should be planted 6 inches (15 cm) deep. So you can start growing asparagus from seed with only a few inches of soil. However, it will need to be transplanted once it reaches 6 inches in height.
When should you plant asparagus roots?
spring
Asparagus can be planted as soon as the ground is workable in spring. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable so it comes back year after year. The fern-like stalks will grow up to 6′ tall.
What kind of soil does asparagus like?
Although asparagus prefers sandy soil, anything you can do to raise the organic matter of the soil before planting will also pay big benefits. Compost is probably the easiest way to do this, but manure would be beneficial as well.
Do you cover asparagus crowns when planting?
Planting asparagus from crowns
Plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart (they like their elbow room) by spreading their roots around the mound at the bottom of the trench. Cover the crowns up with several inches of compost or composted manure along with some of the soil that you dug out. Water them well.
How do you store bare root asparagus before planting?
If I can’t plant my asparagus right away, how do I store them? Place your plants in your refrigerator. Do not allow the roots to dry out. Plant them as soon as possible.
What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?
Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .
Is Miracle Grow good for asparagus?
Asparagus is a heavy feeder. Encourage thick spears by feeding in the spring (a month after planting) with a Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, following label directions.
How deep do you plant asparagus crowns?
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.
Can you dig up and move asparagus crowns?
To sway you to my side further, I’ll point out that it is entirely possible to move asparagus, either in early spring or autumn, though you will have to dig them up very gingerly, trying not to break any of those long, spidery roots, and you should keep them damp between homes.
Can you dig up and transplant asparagus?
While asparagus can be transplanted any time during dormancy, early spring is the most suitable, just before plants have begun waking up. This usually makes it easier when trying to dig through the tentacle-like roots.
How deep should asparagus bed be?
Dig holes 12 inches deep and 18 inches apart. Place the crown or seed into the hole and carefully spread the roots out. Gently push compost over and fill in the hole. Asparagus can also be planted by digging a trench.
How do you plant asparagus roots in a raised bed?
Most of today’s asparagus crowns need to be planted six-inches deep. To plant them in a raised bed, just fill the bed with six inches of soil (half way, if your bed is a foot deep). Then, lay the crowns a foot apart, and spread the roots out around them, like you see here.
What kind of sand do you use for asparagus?
Although asparagus favors a sandy loam soil, it is quite tolerant of all but the densest clays. As long as drainage is good and soil moisture can be maintained during the growing season, the asparagus plants will thrive.
How often do you water asparagus?
Water thoroughly once a week until the soil is moistened 8 to 12 inches deep. After the first growing season, asparagus plants do not require frequent irrigation because of the deep and extensive root system. They should be watered if long, dry periods occur, however.
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.
Where is the best place to plant asparagus?
First and foremost, asparagus needs to be planted with the sun in mind. Select an area receiving at least 8 hours of full sunlight each day. Although asparagus will tolerate partial shade, it will thrive in full sun. In addition to adequate sunlight, overall soil quality needs to be considered before planting as well.
When should asparagus be cut back?
fall
Asparagus foliage that forms after harvest is strengthening the crown and root system for next year’s crop, so you’ll want to prune in late fall or early winter. NOTE: This is part 7 in a series of 10 articles.