Start with Dormant CrownsAlthough asparagus can be started from seed, the plants take 3 years to mature, so it is usually grown from 1-year-old crowns. You can start planting as soon as the soil is workable in late winter or early spring. Figure on planting 30-50 crowns for a family of 2-4 persons.
Plant in RowsPlace crowns 18 inches apart in a 6-inch-deep trench and cover them with 2 inches of well-cultivated soil. To grow bigger stalks, mix in plenty of organic matter from a high-quality source, such as Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Flowers & Vegetables. As you see the crowns sprout a few inches, add more soil until the trench is filled.
Feed WellAsparagus is a heavy feeder. Encourage thick spears by feeding once in the spring before growth starts and again after the harvest with a high-nitrogen plant food such as Osmocote® Vegetable & Bedding Smart-Release® Plant Food.
Cut spears at or near ground level when they are at least 5 inches tall and 1/2 inch in diameter and have closed tips. Harvest for just 2 weeks in the first harvest season (the plants' third year), then 4 weeks the next year and 6 weeks in years after that.
