How to Plant an Asparagus Bed

When planting an asparagus bed in the garden, the experience gives the gardener a lesson in patience. Asparagus roots, or crowns as they are more commonly known, take up to three years before a substantial amount can be harvested. By taking the time and making the effort to plant the crowns correctly, the gardener can assure a terrific harvest for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Shovel
• Bagged Cow Manure
• One to two year old asparagus crowns

1. Determine how many crowns will be needed. A good rule of thumb is 15 to 20 crowns per person.
2. Purchase from a local garden center the needed asparagus crowns. Ordering online from established seed companies is also an option.
3. Soak crowns in water overnight before planting.
4. Choose your garden space. Crowns need to be planted 12 to 18 inches apart.
5. Dig trenches in the selected area 12 inches deep and 4 feet apart.
6. Add 1 inch of cow manure to the bottom of each trench.
7. Spread crown tendrils over the cow manure.
8. Cover with 2 inches of soil. Pack tightly.
9. Water the asparagus bed throughly to remove any trapped air pockets. This step may be omitted if expecting a heavy rain within 24 hours.
10. Add two more inches of soil every two weeks until mounts slightly higher than the ground are achieved.
11. Apply a heavy layer of mulch (hay, wood shavings, etc) to the bed once the spears begin to surface.
12. Allow the spears to reach full maturity, i.e., seed out, for the first year.

Tips & Warnings

• Find two year old crowns if at all possible. If planted correctly, harvesting can begin the next year.
• Buy crowns from a reputable company. Most offer a guarantee for crowns that do not grow.
• Adding salt to an asparagus bed is considered by some to be an old wives tale, yet the practice is recommended by many organic growers.