How to Plant Asparagus Roots in Michigan

Asparagus grows well in Michigan.

Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable, providing great amounts of vitamins B, A, and C, as well as iron--and once you've tasted it fresh from the garden, you may never be able to eat store-bought asparagus again. Michigan is an excellent place to grow the vegetable. In fact, asparagus grows so well in the state, Oceana County, Michigan, calls itself the Asparagus Capital of the United States.

Things You'll Need

• Asparagus roots
• Tiller or shovel
• Compost or 0-20-0 fertilizer

Instructions

1. Select asparagus roots--preferably an all-male variety, which are more prolific--from a quality local nursery. Some popular all-male asparagus varieties include Jersey Knight, Jersey Giants and Roberts Improved. Buy 1-year-old asparagus roots.

2. Study your garden to find an area that receives full sun (at least six hours a day) and well-draining soil. Asparagus is a perennial, coming back and growing more vigorous each year, so be sure the location can be permanent. Ideal soil for asparagus is a bit sandy. Asparagus will rot in clay soil. Ten asparagus roots require about 10 square feet of garden, and should easily feed four people once the vegetable is well established.

3. Till the area where you'll plant the asparagus roots, either with a rototiller or by hand, once nighttime temperatures reach about 50 degrees F. If desired, add a little well-aged manure to the soil.

4. Dig a furrow about six inches deep, using a shovel or spade. Lay quality compost or 0-20-0 fertilizer at the bottom of the furrow.

5. Set the roots in the furrow, about 1½ feet apart. There's no need to spread the roots out.

6. Dig additional furrows of the same size, about 5 feet apart, for larger asparagus beds. Prepare with fertilizer or compost, and lay in additional roots.

7. Fill in the furrows with soil, up to the level of the surrounding earth. Do not compact the soil.

8. Water lightly. Spears should begin emerging within about a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't harvest any asparagus the first year. Allow the plant to develop woody spears, which will feed the plant further and help it become stronger. Don't cut down the fern growth, either. An all-male variety will stay green until the first frost, after which it will keep the soil around the roots warmer. In spring, cut or mow down the brown fern growth.

• Asparagus usually doesn't require irrigation, but if the area is experiencing unusual heat or dryness, water lightly.

References

• Ohio State University: Growing Asparagus in the Home Garden
• University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Asparagus
• Gardener's Network: How to Grow Asparagus Plants
• Washington Asparagus: Asparagus and Health