One of the benefits of growing asparagus in raised beds is that it provides the perennial plants with controlled conditions. These types of soil help them grow straight and tall, just like an oak tree!
Allowing for the perfect soil to be created, a raised bed provides an ideal environment where invasive weeds and grasses cannot grow. Using richly amended compost or rotted manure will ensure that asparagus thrives well in its new home!
Asparagus is one of the most delicious vegetables you can grow. These tips will help get your garden started on the right foot!
- Space plants about 18 inches apart at a minimum.
- Make your bed 12 inches deep for asparagus to thrive in it!
- Deep soil is necessary so that nutrients can be maintained, which are essential for this type of plant’s success.
- Taking time to prepare the raised bed and add compost will improve your asparagus’s growth by a decade.
- Till about 12 inches of soil, till in some organic matter such as kitchen scraps or aged manure for nutrient rich potting mix before planting seeds.
- It’s time to get planting! Mount your loose dirt pile into 4-6 inch cone-shaped mounds. Place the seeds at bottom of furrow and leave 18 inches between each mound for good measure.
- To plant asparagus, carefully place its crown on top of each pile in the furrows. Add about an inch or more of dirt until covered with soil and let sit for four weeks.
- As a way of keeping soil moist, water asparagus plants so they have tough stalks.
- As soon as you see the first signs of growth, add more soil to your furrows. This will allow for stronger plants and a better harvest!
- Avoid harvesting in the first two-three years. More time for healthy growth will bring you better asparagus plants.
- Choose the ones at least 8 inches tall, and cut just below ground level. Harvest for about 2 weeks in year one; then 4 weeks next season!
- Make sure to cut your plants back before winter time so they can grow strong again in the spring.