How to Grow Asparagus

More and more people are growing their own vegetables to be self-sufficient and to save money. With some help, you too can join in the movement.

Step 1: Buy crowns Buy asparagus crowns at your local nursery or through a catalog.
TIP: You can start with seeds, but seeds take longer to grow.
Step 2: Find a spot Select a well-draining site that gets at least partial sun. Full sun is not necessary.
Step 3: Prepare soil Make sure the soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.5. Eliminate all weeds from the area.
TIP: For a soil test, check the USDA web site for a Cooperative Extension System office near you.
Step 4: Dig a trench Dig a v-shaped trench that is 6 to 8 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches wide.
Step 5: Set the crowns Plant the crowns 12 to 16 inches apart for thick spears or 8 to 10 inches apart for thin spears. Then cover the crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil and add water.
Step 6: Maintain Slowly refill the trench throughout the growing season, but don’t cover the shoots as they grow.
Step 7: Harvest Harvest and enjoy plants started from crowns in the spring of their second year and plants started from seed in the spring of their third year.
FACT: Genetics play a role in whether or not your pee smells after eating asparagus.