Asparagus is one of the most valuable perennial vegetable crops, rapidly gaining popularity among gardeners in Ukraine and beyond. It boasts a delicate taste, high nutritional value, and is perfect for both diet meals and gourmet dishes. However, to ensure asparagus yields a generous harvest consistently, it’s essential to understand the specifics of planting. In this article, we’ll walk through every stage—from selecting a plot to seeing the first shoots—as noted by the editors of Baltimore Chronicle.
What You Need to Know Before Planting Asparagus
Before planting asparagus, several important factors must be considered. This crop requires special soil preparation, careful selection of variety, and proper timing. Since asparagus can grow in the same spot for up to 15 years, each stage must be approached with care.
Key features of asparagus:
- Perennial crop
- Sensitive to waterlogging
- Prefers loose, organically rich soil
- Needs full sun exposure
- Begins producing harvestable shoots in the second or third year after planting
Evaluating your plot and planning in advance will significantly increase your chances of harvesting a stable crop for many years.
When to Plant Asparagus: Timing and Climate Conditions
The ideal time to plant asparagus is early spring when the soil warms up to +10…+12°C (50–54°F). In southern regions, this could be late March to early April. In northern areas, mid-April or even May is more suitable. Fall planting is also possible but requires additional winter protection.
Factors that affect planting time:
- Soil temperature
- Moisture and soil structure
- Weather forecasts for the coming weeks
- Sunlight availability on the plot
Late planting reduces the chances of successful rooting, especially in the first year.
How to Prepare Soil for Asparagus
Asparagus prefers loose, well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. The best options are sandy loam or light loam soils with a humus content of at least 2%.
Plot preparation steps:
- Remove all weeds and roots from previous crops.
- Dig the soil to a depth of 30–40 cm (12–16 inches).
- Add 4–6 kg/m² (8–12 lbs per 10 sq ft) of well-rotted manure or compost.
- Adjust soil pH to 6.5–7.0 if necessary using lime.
After digging, let the soil settle for several weeks. This will help prevent sinking of planting holes later.
How to Choose Planting Material
Asparagus can be grown from seeds or two-year-old crowns. Beginners are advised to use crowns, as they have a better chance of establishing successfully.
| Parameter | Seeds | Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Time to harvest | 3 years | 1–2 years |
| Growing difficulty | Higher (seedlings are sensitive) | Lower |
| Disease resistance | Low initially | Higher |
When choosing crowns, ensure they have no signs of rot, are firm, and have multiple well-developed buds.
How to Plant Asparagus Correctly
Asparagus planting requires a specific method. The crowns need space, so follow these steps carefully.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Dig trenches 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) deep and about 40 cm (16 inches) wide.
- Add a layer of compost or manure to the bottom and cover lightly with soil.
- Form a small mound along the trench center.
- Place the crown on the mound, spreading the roots evenly.
- Fill the trench with soil, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) below the surface.
- Water with warm water.
- After 2–3 weeks, once shoots appear, fill the trench completely to surface level.
Space plants 35–40 cm (14–16 inches) apart, with at least 1 meter (3 feet) between rows.
How to Care for Asparagus After Planting
Caring for asparagus during the first year is critical. The plant is developing its root system and requires moisture and protection.
Key care steps:
- Water regularly during dry spells
- Weed the area consistently
- Mulch with straw or peat
- Fertilize with potassium-phosphorus mixes
- Loosen the soil after rains
In the second and third years, asparagus becomes more resilient. From the third year onward, you can begin harvesting a full crop.
Common Mistakes in Growing Asparagus
Even experienced gardeners make errors when growing asparagus. Knowing these in advance can save time and effort.
Most common mistakes:
- Planting too deep or too shallow
- Overwatering the soil
- Planting crowns too close together
- Neglecting to mulch
- Cutting spears too early in the first years
Remember: the better care you provide in the first two years, the more abundant your harvest will be in the third and beyond.
How and When to Harvest Asparagus
Harvesting asparagus begins in the third year after planting. Spears are cut when they reach 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) in height.
Tips:
- Harvest in the early morning or late evening
- Don’t let spears overgrow, as they become fibrous
- During the first harvest year, leave some spears to strengthen the plant
The harvest period lasts up to 6 weeks. After that, allow the plant to grow freely to accumulate nutrients.
Earlier we wrote about how to properly plant sorrel for a bountiful harvest.