Planting Asparagus How To Make An Asparagus Bed

To plant asparagus crowns, dig trenches 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep (8 inches in sandy soil) down the center of the prepared bed. 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.

1. Does asparagus need a raised bed?
2. Do you soak asparagus roots before planting?
3. What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?
4. Why are my asparagus spears so thin?
5. What month do you plant asparagus?
6. What can you not plant near asparagus?
7. Does asparagus multiply?
8. How many asparagus crowns should I plant?
9. Does asparagus like sun or shade?
10. Can I plant asparagus from the grocery store?
11. Can you plant asparagus too deep?

Does asparagus need a raised bed?

An open, sunny site is best, but asparagus will tolerate dappled shade. Asparagus grows on most soil types provided they are well drained. On heavy soils consider creating raised beds. A pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal, so more acidic soils may need liming.

Do you soak asparagus roots before planting?

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. *for a jump-start, consider soaking your asparagus in nutrient-rich organic compost- or manure-tea!

What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?

If planted too close together, asparagus crowns will produce new stalks for only a few years. With enough space and good care, the crowns should last at least 20 years. ... Do stay ahead of the weeds; asparagus will give up instead of competing with them.

Why are my asparagus spears so thin?

Thin asparagus spears appear for a number of reasons, but the root cause is ultimately the same: the asparagus crown lacks the rigor to create bigger shoots. ... Improper Feeding – Asparagus are somewhat heavy feeders and need all the food they can get in order to build strong spears the following year.

What month do you plant asparagus?

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.

What can you not plant near 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. That doesn't mean you have to choose between them: Just plant any alliums a good distance away from asparagus beds and they'll be fine.

Does asparagus multiply?

Asparagus plants are long-lived and vigorous. When asparagus plants are growing in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time. A mature stand of asparagus plants produces spears over several weeks, and even up to eight weeks.

How many asparagus crowns should I plant?

Growing white asparagus is a matter of layering soil over the spears so they don't produce chlorophyll; you can do this with any variety. Ten crowns will fit in a 4-by-8-foot bed and are generally enough to supply a family of four. Try to time your purchase so the asparagus crowns can go in the ground without delay.

Does asparagus like sun or shade?

Light requirements: Full sun. Plant asparagus on the west or north side of a garden so the tall plants won't shade other vegetables in summer. Planting: Space 12 to 18 inches apart. Soil requirements: Asparagus needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Can I plant asparagus from the grocery store?

If you have the garden space - and some patience - plant it once and you can enjoy fresh asparagus from the same patch year after year. ... The asparagus spears bought at the grocery store are shoots that grow from underground crowns.

Can you plant asparagus too deep?

'Purple Passion' Asparagus

Soil temps are typically reported at 2-inch depths, and asparagus roots need to go in 8 to 10 inches deep. If 2-inch temps are in the mid-50s, deeper temps are probably good. You will never go wrong planting too late.