But, if space is not an issue, 10-20 plants per person is a good start. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, site selection is going to be important. It’s not uncommon for asparagus plantings to last for 15+ years. It does best in well-drained soils that are in full sun.
How many asparagus can you plant in a square foot?
Plant List
| Plant | Number | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 9 | 1′ 5″ |
| Beans (Pole) | 8 | 9″ |
| Broccoli | 8 | 1′ 5″ |
| Carrot | 16 | 3″ |
How many asparagus do you get from one plant?
A mature stand of asparagus plants produces spears over several weeks, up to eight weeks. During this time, a healthy plant should yield around 20 spears. When asparagus plants grow in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time.
Does asparagus take 3 years to grow?
As said above, newly-planted asparagus plants may take 2 to 3 years to truly get started and produce, so patience is needed! After they’re established, however, asparagus can be productive for decades.
How big of an area do I need to plant asparagus?
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.
Do asparagus plants spread?
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 deep should asparagus bed be?
about 12 inches deep
Plant asparagus about 12 inches deep in the soil. Asparagus likes to grow in rich soils, and will deplete the nutrients over time. Be sure to amend the planting area with organic matter and soil amendments like compost if you haven’t already done so. Use a soil mix rich in organic matter.
How many times can you harvest asparagus in a year?
Early in the season, you might harvest 7- to 9-inch spears every two to four days. As air temperatures increase, harvesting frequencies will increase to once or twice per day. You can have up to 24 harvests per season, after which you can allow crowns to fern and grow out.
Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
Yes, it does. Asparagus regrow after cutting. This is because perennial plants make a return year after year. The fact that a plant lasts 20 years is evidence that it does regrow after cutting.
How long do asparagus plants last?
With proper care and in the right environment, asparagus live 7 years or more.
What do I do with my first year asparagus?
Save time when growing asparagus by planting 1-year old asparagus crowns. Select a spot with good drainage. Dig a trench and plant the crowns 15-18 inches apart.
Avoid harvesting your first year as the asparagus gets established.
- Start with Dormant Crowns.
- Plant in Rows.
- Feed Well.
- Enjoy Your Asparagus Every Year.
Can you eat asparagus the first year?
No spears should be harvested during the first growing season. Asparagus can be harvested over a three to four week period during its second growing season. In following years, asparagus plantings can be harvested until early to mid-June.
How often do you water asparagus?
Asparagus needs regular watering, especially while young; give it 1 to 2 inches of water per week during its first two growing seasons; give older plants about 1 inch per week.
What grows well with asparagus?
Here are a few examples of good companions for asparagus:
- Nightshades, like tomatoes and eggplant.
- Basil and parsley.
- Coriander, comfrey, and dill.
- Members of the Aster family, like marigolds and nasturtiums.
When should asparagus be planted?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
Do you cut back asparagus in the fall?
Answer: The asparagus foliage can be cut back to the ground after it has been destroyed by cold temperatures in fall. However, it is generally recommended that the dead foliage be allowed to stand over winter.
Should I let my asparagus flower?
Ferning out in asparagus is actually a good thing, as it indicates that photosynthesis is being promoted, therefore, nutrition production and absorption increases. During the ferning process, the majority of the energy produced is stored in the roots to facilitate new growth the next year.
How can you tell a male asparagus from a female?
Asparagus Sex Determination
Asparagus is dioecious, which means there are both male and female plants. Female asparagus produces seeds that look like little red berries. Male plants produce thicker, larger spears than females. The flowers on male plants are also larger and longer than those on females.
What can I put on my asparagus bed?
Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate.
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.
How do you prepare soil for asparagus?
Asparagus does best in lighter soils that warm up quickly in spring and drain well; standing water will quickly rot the roots. Prepare a planting bed for your asparagus —simple raised beds work best — that’s about 4 feet wide by removing all perennial weeds and roots, and digging in aged manure or compost.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.