For its crisp, tender spears, asparagus is a popular vegetable in many dishes. People love to add it in salads, stir-fries, and as a side dish. Fresh asparagus is available from early May to late June. The best thing is that home gardeners can harvest ample asparagus spears that grow 2 inches per day during peak season.
Growing asparagus at home is simple and rewarding. All it needs is sunlight, well-drained soil, and patience. An asparagus bed can last over 15 years, making it a long-term investment for home gardeners. Growing asparagus in a home garden can yield fresh, delicious spears year after year with proper care.
Preparing The Soil
Growing asparagus at home requires well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Acidic soils are not at all recommended for asparagus. Soil testing for nutrients is important. The test results should be used to add fertiliser in the autumn or spring before planting. Half of the phosphorus and potassium should be added at planting, while nitrogen is added after crown growth.
Selecting Plants
When growing asparagus at home, choose between male and female plants. Both produce edible spears, but male plants tend to produce more and live longer. Most hybrids, such as Jersey Giant, have only male flowers, which do not develop seeds. This characteristic makes male plants more productive and less prone to weedy seedling growth.
Choosing A Location
Find a space to place the asparagus bed in a sunny, fertile, well-drained area. Avoid waterlogged soils and low-lying areas prone to late spring frosts. Don't forget that you have to choose water-retentive soil for the deep roots of the asparagus. A good location ensures asparagus growth and longevity.
Planting Crowns
Follow correct planting methods for a successful asparagus bed. Plant crowns between early May and early June. Dig a 6-12 inch deep furrow, adjusting for soil type. Place crowns "head-to-toe" in a line down the furrow, spacing buds about 12 inches apart. Add phosphorus and potassium fertiliser to the furrows, then cover crowns with 2-3 inches of soil. Water immediately after planting.
Growing From Seed
Although asparagus is usually grown from crowns, it can also be started from seed. Use a nursery bed with sandy soil for the first year. Plant seeds about one inch deep, spaced two to three inches apart, within rows a foot apart. Seeds take approximately three weeks to germinate.
Maintenance
Once asparagus spears emerge, add soil to the furrow as they grow. This gradual back-filling helps support the plants. Test soil every three years to monitor nutrient levels. Add fertiliser, compost, or composted manure in early spring before spear emergence or after harvest in late June or early July, based on soil test recommendations.
Harvesting
At 6-8 inches, asparagus spears are ready to harvest. Start by cutting spears at ground level with a sharp knife. In the first two years, harvest should be minimal to help plants establish. After three years or so, it is possible to plan a full harvest. Fresh asparagus is available for 6–8 weeks during the harvest season.
Pest And Disease Management
Once the plantation is done, you have to keep a check on asparagus for common pests and diseases. Rust and asparagus beetles are major issues. Pick beetles by hand and use insecticides if needed. You have to make sure that air circulates to avoid rust. Proper growing conditions make plants more pest- and disease-resistant.