How to Plant an Asparagus

Overview

Asparagus remains a favorite among gardeners and diners alike. Grown from crowns, planting asparagus is a bit more complex than other vegetables, but the plants can bear spears for many years. While heirloom varieties such as Martha Washington are still favorites, several new varieties are on the market. When choosing asparagus crowns, look for male plants as they produce better spears.

Step 1

Deeply till an area 4 feet wide in a row of any length.

Step 2

Dig a trench 10 inches deep and 10 inches wide. If planting more than one row, dig the second row 3 feet from the first row.

Step 3

Mix together equal amounts of compost and manure and place a 2-inch layer in the bottom of the trench. Add 1 inch of soil to cover the compost mixture.

Step 4

Place the crown in the trench, growth side up, and spread out the roots. Cover the crown with 2 inches of topsoil.

Step 5

Plant any additional crowns the same way 15 to 18 inches apart. Water the crowns immediately.

Step 6

Wait approximately two weeks for the first spears to appear and then add additional topsoil to make the trench level with the garden surface.

Step 7

Mulch around the crowns with several inches of organic matter. Pull weeds often to remove plants that may compete with the asparagus.