Spread each clump over its own little mound of soil, and cover lightly. Seedlings can emerge in 10 to 14 days when the soil temperature is 75 degrees F. Thin seedlings after they grow their first set of true leaves. Plant asparagus in a spot where plants can grow undisturbed and productive for 15 to 20 years. Then follow the instructions for planting asparagus crowns above. Since it will be in the same spot for years, it's important to find a spot where it will have all the growing conditions it needs. For a long-lived perennial like asparagus, it pays to take the time to improve your soil before you plant it. After planting, cover the crow… As the ferns grow, add two to three inches at a time until the hole is filled. Sow seed in autumn in a seed raising tray. Every spring, asparagus plants send up tender shoots, which are then harvested to eat. Asparagus doesn’t like crowds, so keep the plants about 18 inches apart. Do not harvest the first year after planting and only harvest sparingly in the second year. The top of the crown should be approximately 6" below the soil surface. Stay up to date on new articles and advice. You only get one opportunity to fortify the root zone, so don't miss your chance. Growing asparagus in a well-fenced garden or in an area with less pest pressure is key. So forget about Martha Washington and the old asparagus varieties. In subsequent years, the shoots will continue emerging from the soil throughout the spring. It also offers you a greater variety of choice. In the spring, dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Also, the pots would have to be brought inside for the winter, or buried in the ground: otherwise, they would freeze. After you've been harvesting for more than a month and the weather starts to warm, the shoots will begin to get spindly. The crowns should be planted at 18" intervals in the bed, so put a shovel of compost and a cup of all-purpose, organic fertilizer in the trench every 18". Asparagus can tolerate partial shade. Asparagus grows best in full sun and in loose, well-drained soil. Can it be done? An asparagus crop will thrive in a sunny, well-drained area and provide a delicious, perennial harvest for years to come. Once the bed is well-established, harvesting can continue until the bed yields only skinny spears that are less than a half inch in diameter. These nutrients will help your asparagus develop a good, strong root system. Read how to plant asparagus by crowns on the Almanac’s Aspargus Growing Guide. If you live in a colder area, for example, or notice your plants suffer from the cold, try growing asparagus all year long in a greenhouse. This is especially true the first year of planting, when the shoots aren't large. You most certainly CAN grow asparagus in a pot. To keep the soil rich and help feed the asparagus plants, top dress the soil annually with compost. Sandy, well-drained soils with pH between 6.8 and 7.5 are preferred. It’s possible, but not necessarily recommended. Set the asparagus crown on top and drape the roots down around the sides. Phosphorus, which promotes strong root growth, doesn't move through the soil as easily as other nutrients. Sow asparagus seeds inside eight to 12 weeks before transplanting outside after the danger of ice has passed. If you prefer, you can grow asparagus in a raised bed. How To Grow Asparagus Preparing The Planting Space. At this time, it's generally best to cut the fronds about an inch above ground level and remove them from the area. It’s possible, but not necessarily recommended. 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