Plant Asparagus in the Fall

Plant asparagus in the fall if you live in the south and early spring if you live in the northern part of the country. A well cared for asparagus patch will produce a delicious yield for 15 to 25 years. So while they require a lot of time before that first harvest, it is well worth the wait in terms of overall results.

Fall planting for spring harvests.

Asparagus is a wonderfully delicate vegetable that is often thought of as a special treat for those who do not grow their own. Gardeners who produce their own get to enjoy this treat more frequently as long as they provide these plants with what they need to be productive.

Asparagus requires deep, well-drained soil and full sun. Soil should be rich with organic materials and should have a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. The most important part of growing asparagus is site preparation.

If you live in the south, you'll want to plant asparagus in the fall because the heat of summer is hard of the tender plants. Those who live in the north can get away with putting plants out in the early spring without worry of the summer heat.

To prepare the seedbed, first be sure it is completely weed free and clean. Asparagus doesn't like to compete with other things in the seedbed. For faster results, purchase year old crowns. You can also grow asparagus from seed but it will take longer before you can harvest those first spears.

Once you are ready to plant your crowns, apply a three inch layer of compost and manure on top of the soil. Till the compost in about a foot deep. Then till in fertilizer. 10-20-10 is usually recommended at a rate of two to three pounds per 20 foot row.

Once the soil is prepared, dig a furrow about four inches wide and about 6 to 12 inches deep. Place your asparagus crowns in the furrows about two feet apart and cover with two to three inches of soil pressed firmly around the plants.

As the asparagus shoot grow, keep adding more soil. By the end of the first season, the furrow should be filled to the top. Mulch them well to keep the soil moist and to prevent weeds from competing with the asparagus. Allow it to form ferns; do not cut them back this first season.

Be sure your asparagus planted in the fall is kept well watered. When the top inch of soil is dry, it is time to water. Allow water to soak in deep into the soil. You may need to water every three to five days until tops die back for the year.

During the second season and each successive season you will want to first remove the ferns that died the previous year. Clear away old mulch and fertilize well. Lightly cultivate the soil as well to reduce weeds. Re-mulch and allow plants to grow without disturbance.

In the third year you will be able to harvest asparagus spears when they are about six to eight inches long. Some experts say to cut the spears just under the surface of the soil. Others say it doesn't matter, you can cut them at soil level. You can try either method and see which you prefer.

Asparagus spears should be about as thick as your finger. Allow the other spears to turn to ferns. Leave some each year to turn to ferns to allow your patch to get stronger and produce more each year.

Be sure to keep weeds pulled and mulch and fertilize each year. If you follow these steps, you will be assured of many years of wonderful asparagus, whether you plant asparagus in the fall or in the early spring.

• Winter Squash Plants Photos
• Sugar Maple Tree Picture
• What Plants Grow in Winter

• Gardenia Plant Care
• Jasmine
• How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace
• Honeysuckle
• Maple Tree Diseases

• How to Grow Asparagus
• Best Time to Plant Vegetable Gardens
• What are Good Vegetables to Plant in Late Summer
• Sea Holly
• Carrot