Planting & Caring for Asparagus

Name: Tristar Plants
Address: 6675 Old Smithville Highway Sparta, Smithville, TN, 38583, US
Telephone: (931)-761-7611
Price range: $

Choose a location: Asparagus likes full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 8 hours of sun a day.
Prepare the soil: Asparagus roots prefer a rich soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Plant the roots: Plant the asparagus roots in a trench, with the crowns about 2-3 inches below the soil surface and 18-24 inches apart. Space the rows about 4-6 feet apart.
Fill in the trench: Fill in the trench with soil, making sure not to cover the tips of the roots. As the asparagus grows, continue to add soil to the trench until it is level with the surrounding soil.
Watering: Asparagus needs consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season. Water the soil deeply, but not too often, to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilize: Asparagus benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring, before new growth begins. You can use a granular, all-purpose fertilizer.
Mulch: Mulch around the asparagus plants to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic material, such as leaves or straw.
Harvest: Wait until the third growing season to harvest your asparagus. Cut the spears when they are about 6-8 inches tall, but before they begin to unfurl. Harvest for about two weeks and then stop to allow the asparagus to grow and develop new shoots.
Maintenance: In the fall, cut back the ferny growth to a few inches above the soil and add a layer of compost to help enrich the soil. Repeat this process every fall.