Things You'll Need:
- Compost
- Manure
- Fertilizer (10-20-10)
- Spade
- Rake
- Shovel
- Granular phosphate
- Asparagus crowns
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Step 1
Choose a growing location in full sun and where the asparagus plants will not shade other vegetables. Prepare the growing area in late winter or early spring. Work the soil to a depth of at least 10 inches. Add to the soil at least 3 inches of compost and 1/2-pound of manure for each square foot of the growing space and work into the soil. Add to the top of the soil area 1/2-pound of fertilizer for every 100 square foot and work into the soil. Rake the surface smooth.
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Step 2
Dig trenches 10 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Space the trenches 2 1/2 to 3 feet apart. Place 2 inches of a blend of equal parts compost and manure to the bottom of the trenches. Sprinkle one teaspoon of granular phosphate for every foot of trench. Add 1 inch of rich soil over the phosphate to prevent burning the asparagus crowns. Make a raised center mound going down the entire length of the trenches on which to place the asparagus crowns.
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Step 3
Place the asparagus crowns in the prepared trenches, spacing them approximately 15 inches apart. Arrange the roots toward the outside edges of the trenches. Place 2 inches of soil over the crowns. The trenches will be slightly lower than soil level. Water the asparagus crowns generously.
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Step 4
Look for growth within two to three weeks. Fill in the trenches with soil gradually over the weeks until they are level with the rest of the garden soil. Do not cover the growing asparagus with soil. Add 2 inches of mulch around the asparagus to prevent weeds.
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Step 5
Make sure the asparagus plants receive 1 inch of water each week during the entire growing season.
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Step 6
Cut back the foliage to the ground after the initial growing season. This will encourage the plants to produce spears more quickly.
