Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that is easy to grow in the vegetable garden. The most common way to grow asparagus is by using asparagus crowns. These are small rootstocks that are raised by a grower. You plant these asparagus crowns in your garden, and from these, the asparagus will grow. Asparagus crowns can last for 15 to 20 years, so it is an investment to enjoy your own homegrown asparagus for years to come. There is a big difference between growing green and white asparagus, which you can read about in the blog: Green, white or purple asparagus: what are the differences? In this blog, you will learn step-by-step how to plant asparagus crowns in your own vegetable garden.
You plant asparagus crowns from March to the beginning of May; this is usually the only time you can buy asparagus crowns. Once you have received/purchased the asparagus crowns, you should get to work as quickly as possible, otherwise they will dry out quickly.
How do you plant asparagus crowns?
Step 1: Choose the right location
Asparagus thrives best in a sunny and well-drained location. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight and where the soil drains well. Generally, asparagus is grown in sandy soil. Asparagus does not like "wet feet," so ensure that the soil does not retain too much moisture. If you have clay soil, it is best to create a bed with plenty of sand mixed in to ensure the cultivation is successful.
Step 2: Prepare the soil
Before you begin planting asparagus crowns, you must prepare the soil. Dig a trench +/- 30cm deep and +/- 50cm wide to remove weeds, stones, and debris. If you want to plant multiple rows of asparagus, keep 1.5m between the rows. Along the entire length of the trench, make a small mound in the middle of +/- 15-20cm, where you can place the asparagus crown and let the roots hang downwards slightly.
Step 3: Plant the asparagus crowns
Place the crowns 30-50 cm apart in the trench and cover them with soil. Ensure that the crowns are planted upright so that the asparagus can grow straight upwards. Then, mix some compost or organic fertilizer into the soil taken from the trench to increase soil fertility. After that, carefully shovel the soil back into the trench so that the asparagus is buried underground. Just make sure they stay securely in place.
Step 4: Maintain the asparagus
Once the asparagus crowns are planted, you must care for them properly. Water them regularly in their first growing year, especially during dry periods, and keep the soil weed-free. After a few weeks, the asparagus will begin to grow.
Step 5: Harvest the asparagus
Unfortunately, you should barely harvest any asparagus during the first few years, because they are not yet strong enough. The plant, and especially the root, must first develop for a few years. You must harvest nothing the first year. The second year, 1 asparagus spear per plant . The third year, once a week per asparagus plant , and from the fourth year on, you can harvest fully until the longest day. You harvest green asparagus by cutting them close to the ground. Ensure you don't cut the asparagus too low, as this can damage the rootstocks and hinder the plant's growth. You harvest white asparagus with an asparagus knife. This is a task that requires a bit of practice.
How many plants are needed for a weekly meal per person?
For a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children), 10 plants are sufficient for a harvest from the end of April until June 21st. That's 7 to 8 weeks of enjoying fresh asparagus!
Time to plant!
Planting asparagus crowns is a simple and rewarding way to grow delicious asparagus in your own garden. It is an investment because you have to wait a few years for the first harvest, but it is definitely worth it. In our webshop, we have white, and green asparagus.
