Asparagus is a perennial that will produce for 10-15 years if it is planted and managed properly. Start by finding the perfect spot in your garden. Asparagus will need a permanent home with a sunny location and well-drained soil. It grows best in medium textured soils with a soil pH between 6.5-7.0.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds but most home gardeners choose to plant asparagus crowns purchased from seed catalogs or from local nurseries. When purchasing, review the varieties available. Hybrid varieties are mostly all-male plants with the open pollinated varieties containing male and female plants. The male varieties produce no seeds so all their energy goes into spear production which generates a higher yield of larger spears. The female varieties put their energy into seed production which generates a lower yield of smaller spears.
Your soil type will dictate the depth of your trench – medium textured soils dig a trench 8-10 inches deep; in heavy clay soils reduce trench to 6 inches and sandy soils increase trench to 12 inches. Place the crowns "head-to-toe" (bud-to-root tip) in a line down the trench, so the buds of the crowns are spaced above 12 inches apart and cover with 2-3 inches of soil. Rows of asparagus should be spaced at least 4 feet apart. Another method of planting is to place the crown in the trench on top of a small mound of soil, spread the roots out around the crown (“octopus” formation) then cover 2-3 inches with soil. Click here for growing guide.
As tempting as it may be, do not harvest asparagus spears the first spring after planting. Lightly harvest during the second spring then harvest normally in subsequent years.
At the end of the harvest, start getting your asparagus ready for next year. Continue to water regularly, control the weeds, and fertilize. Allow your last spears to go to ferns. When the ferns die down in the fall, mow them and leave them for mulch.
Asparagus can be grown from seeds but most home gardeners choose to plant asparagus crowns purchased from seed catalogs or from local nurseries. When purchasing, review the varieties available. Hybrid varieties are mostly all-male plants with the open pollinated varieties containing male and female plants. The male varieties produce no seeds so all their energy goes into spear production which generates a higher yield of larger spears. The female varieties put their energy into seed production which generates a lower yield of smaller spears.
As tempting as it may be, do not harvest asparagus spears the first spring after planting. Lightly harvest during the second spring then harvest normally in subsequent years.
At the end of the harvest, start getting your asparagus ready for next year. Continue to water regularly, control the weeds, and fertilize. Allow your last spears to go to ferns. When the ferns die down in the fall, mow them and leave them for mulch.
Always be on the look-out for pests and diseases that can damage your asparagus. 
The Asparagus Aphid, Asparagus beetle and the beetle larvae feed on leaves and above ground plant parts. The Cutworms, asparagus miner, and grasshoppers feed on the lower stem close to the ground and/or the roots.
The Asparagus Aphid, Asparagus beetle and the beetle larvae feed on leaves and above ground plant parts. The Cutworms, asparagus miner, and grasshoppers feed on the lower stem close to the ground and/or the roots.
There are also a variety of diseases, such as Purple Spot, Rust, Fusarium Crown, Root and Lower Stem Rot and Phytophthora Crown, Root/Spear Rot which can affect the asparagus above and below the ground.
Your planning, maintenance and patience will be rewarded with numerous harvests of tender, green asparagus spears to enjoy every spring for years to come!
Your planning, maintenance and patience will be rewarded with numerous harvests of tender, green asparagus spears to enjoy every spring for years to come!
