Grow Your Own

Whether it be roasted, grilled, or thrown into your favorite recipes, asparagus is a staple for the warmer months. Find a sunny spot for asparagus in your garden and after a year or two you'll be ready to harvest this perennial veggie for many springs to come.

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Sow It

Dig a trench in compost-enriched, well-draining soil that is roughly 6-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Place the root crowns 18 inches apart. (Plant 25 crowns for a family of four asparagus enthusiasts.)

Cover It

Cover the crowns. Firm soil around the crowns and water well. Make sure the soil over the asparagus crowns stays level with surrounding soil.

Harvest It

Spears are ready to harvest when they reach about 8-9 inches tall. To give the plants time to establish deep roots, avoid harvesting heavily during the first two years.

Cut It

Cut or break spears slightly above soil level.

Managing Pests

Asparagus beetles eat spears and foliage, damaging the plants. If you see beetles or their dark eggs, pick them off and drop them in soapy water.

Foliage

After harvest season passes, the lacy green asparagus foliage will grow 4-6 feet tall. Keep the plants watered, weeded, and mulched all summer. Cut the stems back to 2-inch stubs in late fall.