A guide to growing asparagus: From planting to harvesting

Select a Site: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Prepare the Soil: Amend soil with compost and maintain a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Plant the Crowns: Space crowns 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
Dig Trenches: Make trenches 6-8 inches deep and place crowns on ridges.
Cover Crowns: Fill trenches gradually as spears emerge, leaving tops exposed.
Water and Mulch: Keep soil moist and mulch to suppress weeds.
Fertilize: Apply balanced fertilizer or compost in spring and after harvest.
Weed Control: Keep the bed weed-free by hand-pulling or using a hoe.
Manage Pests and Diseases: Monitor and remove pests and diseases promptly.
Harvest: Allow spears to grow 6-8 inches tall before harvesting.
First Harvest Season: Lightly harvest to establish strong roots.
End-of-Season Care: Stop harvesting when spears become thin. Let remaining spears grow into ferns.
Winterizing: Cut back dead foliage and mulch with straw or leaves in late fall to protect from freezing temperatures.
Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy a perennial harvest of delicious and nutritious asparagus from your garden.