5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts: A Beginner’s Guide. Looking to start your own asparagus garden?
5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts
Here’s how to plant asparagus starts. It’s simple and easy, just follow these guidelines for a successful harvest. Learn the basics of planting asparagus starts in this article – perfect for beginners!
5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts: A Beginner’s Guide. just follow these 5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts: A Beginner’s Guide
How Do You Plant Asparagus Starts
Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is relatively easy to grow in your own backyard. Planting asparagus starts, which are young asparagus plants, is a great way to start your own asparagus patch. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to plant asparagus starts to ensure a successful harvest. From choosing the right location to properly preparing the soil, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about how to plant asparagus starts.
What are Asparagus Starts?
Before we dive into the details of planting asparagus starts, it’s important to understand what they are. Asparagus starts are young plants that have already been started from seeds. They typically come in bundles and are ready to be transplanted into a garden. Starting with asparagus starts is a quicker and easier way to grow asparagus, as opposed to starting from seeds. These starts are usually 1-2 years old and are ready to produce a good crop in the first year of planting.
Choosing the Right Location
The first step to successfully planting asparagus starts is to choose the right location. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, meaning it will come back year after year. Therefore, it’s important to choose a spot that will not be disturbed by tilling or other gardening activities. Asparagus also needs plenty of sun, so choose a location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, make sure the spot has good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.
Preparing the Soil
Asparagus grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting your starts, it’s important to prepare the soil by incorporating compost or aged manure into the top 12 inches of soil. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the asparagus to thrive. It’s also a good idea to test the pH of the soil to make sure it is between 6.5-7.5, which is the ideal range for growing asparagus.
Digging the Trench
Another important step in planting asparagus starts is to dig a trench. Asparagus roots can grow up to 6 feet deep, so the trench should be at least 12 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. Keep the soil you dig out nearby, as it will be used to backfill the trench once the starts are planted.
Planting the Starts
Once the trench is dug and the soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the asparagus starts. Place the starts in the trench at a distance of 12-18 inches apart. The crowns, which are the top of the plant where the spears will grow, should be positioned facing upward. Make sure to spread out the roots of each start and cover them completely with the soil. Gently press the soil down to remove any air pockets. The asparagus starts should be planted 2 inches deep in the soil.
Watering and Mulching
After planting the starts, give them a good watering to help them settle in. Thereafter, asparagus needs to be watered deeply at least once a week. However, if the soil is not too dry, it’s best to water every 3-4 days. Mulching around the asparagus plants will help to retain moisture in the soil and also suppress weed growth. A layer of 2-3 inches of straw or other organic material should be sufficient.
Caring for Asparagus Plants
Caring for asparagus plants is relatively low maintenance 5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. Asparagus does not like competition, so it’s important to remove any weeds that may sprout around the plants. You can also add a layer of compost or aged manure around the plants each spring to provide additional nutrients. It’s also a good idea to cut down any dead foliage in the fall to prevent any disease or pest problems.
Harvesting Asparagus
The first year after planting asparagus starts, you should not harvest any spears. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can start harvesting, but only for a few weeks. The third year is when you can start harvesting for a longer period of time. To harvest, simply cut the spears at ground level when they are about 6-8 inches tall. This will encourage the plant to produce more spears.
Storing and Preserving Asparagus
Asparagus is best eaten when it is fresh. However, if you have an abundance of asparagus, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To preserve asparagus, it can be frozen or pickled. Blanched asparagus can also be canned and stored for longer periods of time.
Common Pests and Diseases
Asparagus plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but there are a few common issues to be aware of. The most common pests include asparagus beetles and aphids, which can be controlled with organic insecticides. Common diseases include asparagus rust, which can be treated with fungicides, and fusarium wilt, which has no cure and requires the removal of infected plants.
Conclusion
Planting asparagus starts is a great way to start your own asparagus patch. By choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and properly planting the starts, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of this delicious vegetable year after year. Don’t forget to give the asparagus plants proper care and stay on top of any potential pests or diseases. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can enjoy fresh asparagus straight from your own backyard. Happy planting!
5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts
Looking to start your own asparagus garden? Here’s how to plant asparagus starts. It’s simple and easy, just follow these guidelines for a successful harvest.
Learn the basics of planting asparagus starts in this article 5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts perfect for beginners!. planting 5 Simple Steps to Plant Asparagus Starts: A Beginner’s Guide
How do you plant asparagus starts?
To plant asparagus starts, follow these steps:
- Choose a sunny, well-drained location in your garden.
- Prepare the soil by tilling to a depth of 8-10 inches.
- Spread a layer of compost or manure and work it into the soil.
- Dig a trench 6 to 12 inches deep and add fertilizer to the bottom.
- Place the asparagus crowns at the bottom of the trench, spreading the roots evenly.
- Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil.
- As the new shoots grow, keep adding soil until the trench is filled.
When should you plant asparagus starts?
The best time to plant asparagus starts is in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This is usually in March or April, depending on your location. You can also plant in the fall, but spring is the preferred season for most gardeners.
Can you plant asparagus starts in pots?
Yes, you can plant asparagus starts in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage. Fill the pot with a mixture of compost, potting soil, and sand. Plant the asparagus crowns about 2 inches deep and keep the soil consistently moist. As the shoots grow, keep adding more soil until the pot is full. Keep the pot in a sunny location and be sure to fertilize regularly.
How deep do you plant asparagus starts?
When planting asparagus starts, dig a trench 6 to 12 inches deep and spread the roots of the crown evenly at the bottom. Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil and continue to fill in the trench as the shoots grow. The depth of the trench will help promote strong root growth and a healthy asparagus plant.
How long does it take for asparagus starts to produce?
Asparagus starts can take 2-3 years to produce a full harvest, but they will continue to produce for up to 20 years. The first year after planting, you should not harvest any asparagus and allow the plant to grow and establish strong roots. In the second year, you can harvest for a few weeks, and by the third year, you should have a full harvest season.