How Deep Should An Asparagus Bed Be?

How to Plant Asparagus. Plant crowns deeply to protect them from the cultivation needed for annual weed control. Dig a trench of about 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. If digging more than one trench, space the trenches at least 3 feet apart.

How deep does a raised bed need to be for asparagus?

Soil preparation
Start with well-draining soil that’s about 8 inches below the rim of your bed. That means your raised bed needs to be at least 12 inches high to give the roots room to grow, though I recommend building a bed up to 24 inches high for easy harvesting. (My own asparagus bed is 36 inches high!

Does asparagus do well in raised beds?

By planting the asparagus crowns in a raised bed with a soil mix that includes loamy, organic matter, you can ensure good drainage. Another reason to plant asparagus in a raised bed is because it is a perennial crop and can remain productive for 10 to 12 years.

How deep do asparagus roots get?

Asparagus roots grow to an astonishing size of 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 meters) in diameter and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) deep. These plants, sometimes mistakenly called asparagus ferns, are also highly invasive. For this reason, it’s sometimes pejoratively referred to as a perennial weed.

How big should my asparagus bed be?

Rows of asparagus should be at least 2 feet apart, allowing two rows to fit in a 4-foot wide bed. For every 8 feet of row space, you will need about a wheelbarrow filled two-thirds of the way with equal parts of the excavated soil and compost.

Can you plant asparagus too deep?

Cultivating too deep, or at the wrong time in the season, can damage the crowns and emerging spears. There are two times when asparagus beds can be cultivated: Before the spears come up in the spring, and after all of the spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June.

How do you make asparagus grow thicker?

In order to grow thicker asparagus, you will need to cultivate the older stems and encourage them to age and grow bigger than their slim counterparts. Another good tip for strong, healthy, fat stems is to ensure that the plant is getting enough nutrients.

What can you not plant next to asparagus?

There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus:

• Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth.
• Potatoes. Asparagus, on the other hand, stunts the growth of potatoes when they share the same space.

How deep do you bury asparagus crowns?

How to Plant Asparagus

1. Plant crowns deeply to protect them from the cultivation needed for annual weed control.
2. Dig a trench of about 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.
3. Soak the crowns briefly in lukewarm water before planting.

Will asparagus spread on its own?

Yes, asparagus will spread as it grows. Asparagus roots can spread out up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) underground. Asparagus ferns (mature spears with foliage) can spread out 3 feet (90 centimeters) above ground. An older, more mature asparagus plant will send up more spears from its larger crown and energy reserves.

How do you rejuvenate an asparagus bed?

Use an organic fertilizer in the early spring, before spears begin to emerge, to give plants a boost. Apply nitrogen after harvesting is finished to encourage foliage growth. You can also fill in the gaps between old plants with some young, fresh roots. You will end up with a nice, solid bed in a few years.

Will asparagus survive winter in a raised bed?

In mild climates, the root crowns of asparagus need no special winter care, but in cooler regions, winterizing the asparagus bed is a must.

How much room do you need for 20 asparagus plants?

If you want to harvest 10 pounds per season, you’ll need a row of 20 plants, spaced one foot apart.

How far apart should asparagus roots be planted?

15-18 inches apart
Asparagus spears will be larger the deeper the roots are planted. Back fill with 2” of loose soil and Espoma Plant-tone and water the trench well. Set the roots 15-18 inches apart, mounding the soil slightly under each plant so the crown is slightly above the root.

What mulch is best for asparagus?

Straw, pine needles, pine shavings or bark mulch work well as mulch choices. Avoid using dyed mulches (black or red). Avoid using synthetic mulches like black plastic or landscape fabric.

Should I soak my asparagus roots before planting?

Separate the asparagus crowns from the bundle and soak the bare-root asparagus roots in water* for 15-30 minutes prior to planting so that they are well hydrated going into the ground. *for a jump-start, consider soaking your asparagus in nutrient-rich organic compost- or manure-tea!

What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?

The best fertilizer for asparagus will feature a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 blend. Beginning in the fourth year, apply fertilizer after the final harvest in late spring or early summer, instead of a spring application.

Why does it take 3 years to grow asparagus?

It takes three to four years for a young plant to develop the maturity needed to support annual harvests that last four to six weeks. Until then, one must harvest sparingly.

Should you put salt on asparagus plants?

Asparagus plants will thrive in soil with high salt content, unlike many garden vegetables. It does not need salt to grow, however. Putting salt on asparagus plants can damage the plants and reduce the yield.

Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?

* Coffee grounds alone would be too acidic, but if you’re mixing them in with other kitchen waste and especially yard waste like leaves, they’re fine. Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves.

What is the best companion plant for asparagus?

Tomato is the most well-known asparagus companion plant when it comes to asparagus, as the two are symbiotically linked. Tomato plants release solanine chemicals in the soil that repel asparagus beetles.