Story of Day :
Contents
The Complete Guide and Care Tips for Asparagus Plant
Are you looking to add a little greenery to your garden? Why not try growing asparagus? Not only is this plant nutritious and delicious, but it’s also easy to grow if you know how.
In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to successfully grow and care for your asparagus plant.
Step 1: Choose the Right Variety
Before planting your asparagus, it’s important to choose the right variety.
There are two types of asparagus: male and female.
Male plants tend to produce larger spears while female plants focus more on producing seeds than edible shoots.
- Male Varieties: Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, UC 157
- Female Varieties: Mary Washington, Purple Passion
Step 2: Prepare Your Soil
To get the best result from your asparagus plant, it needs a well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0-7.5.
If necessary amend your soil with compost or manure before planting.
- Fertilizer:Add organic fertilizer or bone meal at least one month before planting then add fertilizers every spring after new growth starts appearing.
- Sunlight:Grows best in full sun if possible maintain at least six hours exposure of sunlight.
- Crowding Prevention:A matured single plant can develop into about three feet wide ferny foliage clumps so planted them about eighteen inches apart from each other in rows that are about four feet apart from each other which will provide enough space for growth without crowding out other nearby vegetables or flowers.
Step 3: Plant Your Asparagus
Now that you have your variety picked and soil prepared, it’s time to start planting.
The best time to plant asparagus is in the early spring when the soil temperature has reached a consistent 50°F or higher.
Start by digging trenches about 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide.
Carefully place the crowns (top of roots) of each asparagus plant about 18 inches apart from each other inside these trenches with its buds facing up.
- Covering:Cover up the crown with at least three inches of soil then continue covering gradually as plants grow until all trenches are completely filled in.
- Watering:Gently water your plants immediately after planting, then regularly once every week during the growing season.
- Mulching:Add a thin layer (about two to four inches) of mulch around your newly planted shoot for weed prevention and retaining moisture around that area which will be beneficial for growth
Step 4: Harvest Your Asparagus
Your patience will pay off after two years from planting when you can start harvesting fully grown spears during early Spring through late summer.
When spears are approximately six to eight inches tall snap them off near ground level.
Stop harvesting when spears become smaller than pencil-size because that is needed so they can grow into mature ferny foliage clumps which would provide nutrition for next year’s harvests.
Conclusion
Growing asparagus may take some effort but once it starts producing deliciously nutritious shoots, it’s worth all the work! Remember to choose male varieties if you want larger spears instead of seeds and to prepare your soil before planting.
Plant them in early spring, water regularly, mulch to prevent weeds, fertilize annually and remember not to harvest until the second growing season.
Also when properly taken care of an asparagus plant can provide you with delicious produce for up to 20 years which means it’s a long-term investment.
