How to Grow Asparagus

Here are the top tips for growing asparagus. For more detailed information, keep reading below.

• Sunlight: Plant asparagus in a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Planting Method: For a much faster harvest, it's best to plant asparagus crowns instead of seeds.
• Soil Preparation: Asparagus requires well-drained soil. Before planting, improve your garden beds by incorporating Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil.
• Trenching Technique: Dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep and place the crowns inside. Initially cover them with just 2 inches of soil, adding more soil as the plants grow.
• Feeding: Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so begin feeding plants one month after planting with Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food.
• Harvesting: Do not harvest spears for the first couple of years so your plants can become well-established. 

Growing asparagus takes patience, but these impressive plants can be productive for 15 years or more, making the wait worthwhile. This perennial vegetable is packed with fiber and vitamins A and E, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. From roasting to grilling, its uses are versatile, and here’s how to grow it in your own garden. 

When and Where to Plant Asparagus

You can plant asparagus in late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Choose a spot that gets 6 to 8 hours of full sun every day and has good drainage. 

How to Care for Asparagus Plants

While you can grow asparagus from seed, the plants take 3 years to mature, so starting with crowns, which are 1-year-old plants, is recommended for a quicker path to harvest. Planting asparagus involves a unique trenching method:

1. Prepare the soil. Asparagus plants need good drainage and rich soil. Improve the growing environment by adding Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil before planting. Mix in 3 inches of soil for every 6 inches of native soil.  
2. Dig a trench. Create a trench that is about 6 inches wide, 6 to 8 inches deep.
3. Place the crowns. Space each asparagus crown 15 to 18 inches apart along the bottom of the trench. 
4. Cover and water. Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil and water them thoroughly. Set aside the remaining soil removed from the trench.
5. Fill the trench gradually. As the crowns sprout and grow a few inches, add more of the reserved soil, continuing the process until the trench is full.

When to Harvest Asparagus

Patience is key! It's best not to harvest during the first couple of years, as this allows the plants to develop strong crowns for future growth. You can begin lightly harvesting during the third or fourth year.

In the spring, remove any remaining fern-like growth from the previous year. Keep an eye out for emerging spears and harvest any that are thicker than a pencil. At the end of the harvest season, allow some spears to grow into leafy ferns. This crucial step helps replenish the plant’s nutrients for next year’s crop. 

How to Use Asparagus in Your Kitchen 

Asparagus is versatile in the kitchen. The only hard part is finding your favorite way to serve them! Try it roasted, grilled, or wrapped in prosciutto or bacon for a delicious, savory snack. 

By planting asparagus, you are investing in many seasons of delicious, homegrown flavor. Enjoy the rewarding process and the incredible taste of a perennial harvest.