Asparagus

Sowing Seeds

Starting asparagus from seed is a longer process seeing as the first year will not produce a haverst. plant seeds 1/2" deep and cover with straw to help retain moisture. It may take several weeks for the seeds to begin sprouting so start once the danger of frost has passed. It is common to replant asparagus after the first year.

If starting from a crown dig out a trench in the soil atleast 10 inches deep and build a mound in the center. Drape the asparugus crowns on the mound with 18 inches of space between the plants. Water thoroughly after covering back up and add straw

Germination

Seeds cant take 2 to 5 weeks to germinate

When the shoots begin to sprout in early spring removed the straw and add compost to the soil. This is a good time to remove any weeds that may start crowding the plants. The first few years give it a deep watering to help the roots establish.

Pruning

Asparagus is a fast growing plant and can be harvested almost daily. While it is not technially pruning removing over crowded shoots even if they are not going to be eaten can help keep the plant healthy.

Harvest

The first few harvests of the year might produce smaller shoots that are still edible. After that the shoots will become larger and more productive, harvest daily to prevent over crowding.

Growing Tips

Harvest season for asparagus is aboout 6 weeks long with more mature plants lasting up to 8 weeks. once the shoots switch over to a fern like growth allow for it to continue growinig until it has turned yellow an died back. Once that has happened cut the shoots back to the ground and cover with compost and straw to help with next years growth

Asparagus crowns can with stand a bitter cold below zero but the shoots are sensitive to the frost.