Starting a small asparagus patch is a rewarding and sustainable way to grow your own fresh produce. Whether you’re a home gardener or looking to be more self-sufficient, asparagus is a perennial vegetable that offers years of delicious harvests with just a little upfront effort.
Choose the Right Location for Your Asparagus Bed
To grow healthy asparagus, you’ll need a dedicated planting area, as asparagus does not compete well with other plants. Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Many gardeners prefer using a slightly raised bed for easier harvesting and to reduce weed and grass intrusion.
Make sure your asparagus bed is close to a water source. While Ohio weather typically provides ample rain in spring, having water nearby is helpful during dry spells.
Preparing the Soil for Planting Asparagus Roots
Before planting asparagus crowns, properly fertilize the soil using a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or similar blend. Apply approximately 5 pounds per 100 square feet, ideally using a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote. For even better results, consider adding lime or bone meal to promote strong root growth, especially in early spring and after the fall harvest (11 lbs per 100 sq. ft.).
How to Plant Asparagus Crowns
Plant asparagus roots about 12 inches apart, with a few feet between each row. Hook’s Greenhouse offers healthy asparagus crowns that have been pre-planted to prevent drying out. You can buy them individually or in bundles.
We typically carry time-tested varieties like Martha Washington and Jersey Giant, and this year we’re introducing a commercial hybrid (non-GMO) variety that’s perfect for home gardens or small-scale production.
Caring for Your Asparagus Patch
You can begin light harvesting in the second year, increasing harvest amounts in the third year and beyond. Always leave some stems to mature into ferns, which help feed the roots for continued growth. Though asparagus is harvested only in spring, it continues to grow all season, so be sure to water during dry periods and stick to a fertilization schedule.
Fall Maintenance for Asparagus Ferns
In the fall, asparagus ferns will naturally die back. Use a mower or weed trimmer to cut them down. The dried fern debris can be repurposed as mulch, helping to reduce weed growth in the asparagus bed.
Get Your Asparagus Crowns Early
Stop by Hook’s Greenhouse early in the season to pick up your asparagus roots—they sell out quickly and won’t be available all spring.
Good luck on your asparagus-growing journey! With a bit of care and patience, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown asparagus for years to come.
Happy Planting!
Liz Hook
