Asparagus is a perennial plant in which the stalks referred to as spears are eaten. The plant takes three years to mature if grown from seeds, while it takes two years if grown from one-year crowns. The procedure for growing the asparagus is simple to follow.
- Soil Preparation- To grow the asparagus plant, the most appropriate soil to use is sandy loam.
- One month before sowing the asparagus crowns, prepare the soil by adding manure and organic compost to the soil.
- The area where the asparagus is to be planted should enable the plant get at least six hours of sunlight.
- Ensure that the soil used for planting has adequate drainage. The soil’s PH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Asparagus growing on field
- Planting
- Plant the asparagus crowns during the onset of spring, when the soil is warm enough.
- Before planting the asparagus crowns, soak the roots in water to remove any dryness.
- Plant the asparagus crowns in a deep furrow preferably six to twelve inches deep, and four inches wide. The rows should be at least four to six feet apart.
- Put the crowns in the dug furrows and cover them with two to three inches of soil.
- The furrows should not be filled at once.
- Put the crowns 12 to 13 inches apart to give sufficient room to the growing spears.
- Ensure that the furrows are filled little by little, as the shoots start to grow.
- General Care of the asparagus
- Weed the asparagus plants regularly to prevent the young plants from dying.
- Place some form of support for the young asparagus plants as they grow. This prevents them from breaking due to strong winds.
- Water the plants regularly with just enough water to prevent them from drowning.
- Remove any obstacle that prevents the plants from getting adequate sunlight.
- Add compost manure as the plant begins to grow. Make sure the manure added is rich in either potassium or phosphorus.
- Harvesting
- The best time to harvest the asparagus plants is two years after the crowns are planted.
- Harvest the asparagus plant when its height is approximately 15 cm.
- Cut the asparagus spears below the surface of the soil.