Katharina Buczek
Prepping Your Plot
Asparagus thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making location choice crucial. So, you should choose a spot that gets at least eight hours of sun a day and where water doesn’t pool after a rainstorm.
Before planting, you’ll want to get your soil ready for its new tenants by adding plenty of organic matter like compost or aged manure. This will improve drainage and provide nutrients to the plants.
Asparagus also prefers a slightly alkaline soil, so consider a pH test and adjust accordingly.
Planting Time
Planting asparagus crowns is a springtime task – once the soil is workable but before it gets too warm. Around this time, you can dig trenches about 12 inches wide and six to eight inches deep, spacing them about three feet apart.
Place the crowns at the bottom of the trench, spreading the roots outwards, and cover them with two to three inches of soil. Then, as the plants grow, keep filling in the trench until it’s level with the ground.
This gradual burial encourages the plants to shoot up strong and healthy.
The Waiting Game
Now, here’s where your patience will be tested. During the first year, resist the temptation to harvest any spears that appear – because your plants are busy establishing a robust root system.
You might see fern-like growth, which is a good sign. Just keep the area weed-free and water regularly, especially during dry spells.
