Vegetable of the Week: Asparagus

Asparagus Photo Courtesy of University of MD Extension

 Asparagus may be my favorite green vegetable. As a kid, our family ate canned asparagus. Once we dined on fresh asparagus spears, we never went back. 

Growing asparagus is very rewarding; after all, the perennial may last for decades. Usually planted with one-year-old roots, it can take three growing seasons for a good harvest. 

One-year-old roots are sold in bunches of 10 or 25

When purchasing roots, look for predominantly male plants that are more productive in the garden. We have carried New Jersey Knight or Millennial roots for the last several seasons. Plant in March. Soak roots for several hours before planting. 

Pick an area of the garden that can stay in asparagus production for years to come. Choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. The tall ferns of the asparagus plant may shade other plants in the garden, so plan accordingly. Add organic matter like rotted manure to the garden. Add additional fertilizer at the time of planting. Space rows 4 feet apart. Dig a trench about  10" deep. Place a mound of soil/compost along the bottom. You'll be placing the crowns of the asparagus every 12" in the trench. Spread the roots over the mound and cover with an inch of soil. As the plant grows, add more soil until it is even or just above the ground surface. Water roots in. 

Photo courtesy of Nourse Farms

Keep the asparagus bed weeded in the spring to avoid competition for nutrients. 

Do not harvest asparagus spears in the first season. This will allow the roots to store reserves for later years. Once asparagus is in its fourth season, plan on harvesting daily for 8-10 weeks. Snap asparagus off at or slightly below the soil's surface. Be careful when cutting the spears; consider investing in a specialized asparagus knife to avoid injuring the crown. 

Asparagus beetle is a pest that needs to be controlled with either a pyrethrin-based spray or neem oil during the growing season. 

Asparagus beetle photo courtesy of Maryland HGIC

Allow the asparagus to continue growing after harvest. Fern-like foliage will develop. Keep watering as needed. Cut the foliage back to about 2" in late December. Add 4" of mulch to the bed to keep out weeds.   

Taking steps to care for asparagus will result in a plentiful vegetable harvest for many years. 

Stop in for asparagus roots and our Edible Perennials Planting Guide today. 

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  Photo from NYT cooking column

  
  

  
  

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