Asparagus can either be grown from roots or seeds. GHS carries only roots. The all-male Jersey cultivar crowns are one year old and are an excellent long-term perennial (15 years or more!). Spears will be ready to harvest the second year after planting. Male plants are superior growers; female plants drop seeds that develop into seedling weeds. Female plants also produce lower yields than males.Asparagus crowns should be planted in the early spring in furrows a foot wide by 5-6 inches deep, and about 18 inches apart. Rows should be about five feet apart. Roots should be soaked in water for 8 hours before planting, so they are better able to absorb moisture from the soil. Allow 3 feet between asparagus and other garden plants. Well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8 is ideal. You can test your soil’s pH with a kit, or have it tested through your local cooperative extension. Water-logged soil can cause crown and root rot. Asparagus needs 8 hours of full sun daily. Once established and growing, feed with natural fertilizers like a combination of well-rotted livestock manure, compost, blood meal, bone meal and wood ash. Also, depending on your soil’s needs, you will want to amend the soil to reach the correct potassium and phosphorous levels. Each asparagus crown will produce 1/2 pound of spears, once established. Spears should be cut in intervals to continue producing throughout the season. For excellent and thorough advice on planting, nurturing and harvesting asparagus plants, look up the cooperative extension service website for your growing region. Proper planting and cutting of asparagus will provide many years of produce that is low in calories, high in nutrients and packed with flavor!

Hi! My name is Karen and I’m a Master Gardener with a true passion for producing great plants. I’m excited to participate in this blog and I hope you’ll find my input helpful to make your work in the yard and garden easier, more productive, and more FUN! If you love asparagus but have never considered planting it in your garden, give it a try this year. Garden Harvest Supply has three low-maintenance hybrid varieties with one sure to be ideal for your garden size and climate (and as you read about them, you’ll also find available the ideal knife for cutting stalks when they’re at peak ripeness). If you’ve never tasted asparagus straight from the garden, you have no idea what you’re missing. It’s sweet and tender and not anything like the commercially grown varieties. Garden Harvest Supply offers a huge variety of tomato plants and tomato growing accessories to suit every gardener, from beginner to veteran. Tomato plants are a staple for so many home gardeners because they are hearty producers and because, hey—who doesn’t love that fresh-picked sweet flavor? Anyone who’s ever grown tomatoes knows how easy it is to achieve bliss! If I can help you get your garden planned or improved this year, please send your questions and comments my way at mastergardener@gardenharvestsupply.com. Spring is just around the corner~