The most important thing to know about Asparagus is that it takes 2-3 years to really get started and produce. But it is worth the wait! The plant produces 1/2 pound of spears per foot and sends up new spears every few days for a few weeks in spring after maturity.

Materials needed:

Grow Bags: Choose large, deep grow bags or containers with a capacity of at least 5-10 gallons or more. The bags should be at least 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter and 24 inches (60 cm) deep to accommodate asparagus roots as they grow.

  1. Potting Mix

  2. Asparagus Crowns

  3. Watering Can

  4. Fertilizer

  5. Mulch

  6. Labels

Steps for growing asparagus in grow bags:

Growing asparagus in grow bags is possible, but it's important to understand that asparagus is a perennial plant that can live for up to 20 years or more. As such, it's not the most ideal choice for growing in containers or grow bags, which are better suited for annual or short-lived plants. However, if you have limited space and still want to give it a try, here are some guidelines for growing asparagus in grow bags:

  1. Choose a Large Grow Bag: Select a large grow bag or container that is at least 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter and 24 inches (60 cm) deep. The larger the container, the better, as asparagus plants have deep roots.

  2. Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix with plenty of organic matter. Asparagus prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0.

  3. Planting: Plant asparagus crowns in early spring or late winter. Place them about 12 inches apart in the grow bag. Make a trench in the soil about 6 inches deep and spread the roots out in a fan shape. Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil initially and gradually fill in the trench as the spears grow.

  4. Sunlight: Asparagus needs full sun to produce a good crop, so place your grow bags in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

  5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Asparagus prefers slightly moist conditions. Be sure the grow bag has good drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

  6. Fertilizing: Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so you'll need to provide regular fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and supplement with additional fertilizer throughout the growing season.

  7. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or compost, to help retain moisture and control weeds.

  8. Pruning: In the first year, avoid harvesting any asparagus spears to allow the plants to establish their root systems. In the second year, you can start harvesting lightly. In subsequent years, you can harvest asparagus spears from spring until early summer.

  9. Overwintering: Asparagus goes dormant in the winter. In colder climates, you can move the grow bags to a protected area or insulate them to protect the crowns from freezing temperatures.

Keep in mind that growing asparagus in containers or grow bags may result in smaller yields compared to planting in a dedicated garden bed. Asparagus is a long-term investment, and if you have the space, consider planting it in a permanent garden bed for better results. However, with proper care and maintenance, it is possible to grow asparagus in grow bags and enjoy fresh spears from your own garden.

Companion Plants:

Companion planting is a gardening strategy that involves planting certain crops near each other to enhance their growth, deter pests, or improve overall garden health. When it comes to asparagus, there are several companion plants that can be beneficial in your garden. Here are some plants that are known to be good companions for asparagus:

  1. Tomatoes: Asparagus can benefit from being planted near tomatoes. Asparagus may help repel the asparagus beetle, which can also damage tomatoes. However, avoid planting them too close to each other as both can be aggressive growers and may compete for resources.

  2. Parsley: Parsley is said to enhance the growth and flavor of asparagus when grown nearby. It may also attract beneficial insects.

  3. Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are good companions for asparagus because they can help deter aphids and other pests. Plus, their bright flowers can attract pollinators to your garden.

  4. Marigolds: Marigolds are often used as companion plants in vegetable gardens. They can help deter nematodes and repel other insect pests that may harm asparagus.

  5. Basil: Basil can improve the flavor of tomatoes when grown together and may help deter certain pests.

  6. Cilantro: Cilantro is another herb that can be planted alongside asparagus. It may help deter aphids and spider mites.

  7. Dill: Dill attracts beneficial insects, including pollinators, which can be helpful in your asparagus bed.

  8. Beans: Asparagus and beans can be grown together because they have complementary root systems. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit asparagus.

  9. Lettuce: Lettuce is a fast-growing plant that can be interplanted with asparagus. It can provide some shade to the asparagus, especially in hot weather.

  10. Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic can help deter certain pests that might affect asparagus, such as aphids and nematodes.

  11. Sunflowers: Taller sunflowers can provide some shade to asparagus during the hottest part of the day and can also attract pollinators.

  12. Lavender: Lavender not only has a pleasant fragrance but can also help repel pests like aphids and deer that may be a problem in the garden.

Remember that while companion planting can be beneficial, it's essential to consider the specific needs and growth habits of each plant. Asparagus, for example, is a perennial crop that requires a dedicated bed and may not be suitable for intercropping with annual vegetables. When planning your garden, consider the spacing requirements of each crop and ensure they are compatible in terms of sunlight, water, and soil conditions.

Asparagus does not grow well with garlic, onions and potatoes.

How should I fertilize my Asparagus?

The best fertilizer for asparagus will have a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 blend.

Regular fertilization during the first three years ensures healthy root and plant development. You should fertilize in early spring just as new growth begins.

To fertilize your asparagus from nature you can use composted manure, bone meal, coffee grounds and rock phosphate.

 

Fertilizer can burn asparagus and its roots if it comes into direct contact with the plant. To prevent this from happening, you should make a shallow furrow in the space between the asparagus rows and sprinkle the fertilizer into the furrow before covering it. Alternatively, you can use a soluble formula diluted in water as specified on the label. Pouring the solution into the soil around the plants prevents it from burning the foliage.

Watering the asparagus plants immediately after applying fertilizer rinses any residue from the leaves and helps the nutrients leach into the root zone of the plants. In addition to fertilizer, applying a thin top dressing of compost can also add nutrients and help replenish the soil. Keeping the asparagus bed weed-free is also crucial, as weeds compete with the asparagus plants for nutrients, sunlight and water and can therefore reduce the quantity and quality of the crops.

  • Western yellow striped armyworms are small black caterpillars with yellow stripes and beet armyworms are olive green with yellow stripes. The caterpillars feed on the branchlets and epidermis of asparagus, damaging and occasionally killing the plants. Frequent weeding is the best way to control these pests, as armyworms proliferate in weedy areas. Insecticide treatments are most effective while the larvae are small.

  • The asparagus beetle larvae are small green-gray grubs while the adult beetles are black with red and yellow markings. The spotted asparagus beetle larvae are orange and adults are red-orange with black spots. The larvae feed on the tips of asparagus shoots, damaging young plants. Manage this pest by allowing fern growth at the edges of the asparagus patch, attracting the beetles away from high producing plants at the center. Insecticides should only be applied if the crop is overwhelmed with beetles.

  • Adult asparagus miners are small black flies that lay their eggs under the epidermis of young asparagus plants. The pupae overwinters in the plant or surrounding soil and creates "mines" in the stalks as it feeds. Manage this pest with parasitic wasps or by burning the spent asparagus plants to rid the area of over-wintering pupae. Insecticides are rarely needed to control asparagus miners.

  • Cutworms are smooth-skinned caterpillars that have a variety of colors and markings. They often roll into a c-shape when disturbed. The adults are dull-colored moths with irregular spots. Cutworms feed on the young plants at night, boring holes in the shoots, and sometimes causing plants to curl as they grow. Dig around the plant and identify the caterpillars to confirm a cutworm infestation. Adequate weed-control and field cultivation works to curb most cutworm infestations.

  • The European asparagus aphid is a minuscule blue-green to gray-green insect that is very difficult to spot on asparagus plants. The wingless forms of this aphid feed where the needles attach to the petioles. Winged European asparagus aphids migrate in swarms and lay eggs in spent plants and the surrounding soil. Damage occurs from the toxin these aphids inject while feeding, causing a tufted growth pattern that may eventually desiccate the plants after several seasons of heavy infestation. The toxin can also delay bud growth, reducing the asparagus crop. This pest can be controlled with parasitic wasps and lady beetles, by mowing down crops at the end of the season and by applying insecticides to affected areas.

  • Garden symphylans are fast-moving white arthropods that are often present in soil rich with organic matter. They chew holes in underground shoots, storage roots and crowns, leaving the plant vulnerable to disease and keeping some plants from growing altogether. Cultivate the soil to drive the arthropods deeper into the soil and reduce damage. Flooding the asparagus bed for several weeks at the end of the season also reduces garden symphylan populations.

  • These small insects are winged and black in their adult form, and wingless and yellow-white in their immature form. Eggs are laid in the plant tissue throughout the summer and the hatched insects feed on the asparagus foliage, causing the crop to look depleted and ragged. Good weed management helps control thripes and severe infestations can be treated with insecticides.

What bugs attack Asparagus and what gets rid of them?

What soil ph is best for Asparagus?

Asparagus grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0. It does not tolerate extremely acidic soils. It can grow in heavy, medium, or sandy soils, as long as the soils must be well-drained and do not exhibit pooling water after rains.

How do you store Asparagus?

Asparagus tastes best when picked straight from the garden. If you are going to use them later then trim the bottoms of the asparagus and stand the spears in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover them with a plastic bag and then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Interesting facts:

  • Oceana County, MI is the self proclaimed asparagus capital of the world. The county produces two thirds of the state’s spears and hosts the National Asparagus festival in June to celebrate the harvest.

  • White asparagus is not genetically induced in any way. The lack of pigment in albino spears results from the absence of sunlight.

  • White asparagus is the most labor intensive vegetables to grow. As the spears emerge, they are covered with soil. Every white asparagus spear is hand picked just as the tip of the spear begins to show through the surface of the soil. White asparagus turns pink when exposed to the sun.

  • Chickens are used to help farm asparagus. They are used to reduce weed growth and do not effect the asparagus.

  • Asparagus will reproduce for up to 20 consecutive years. It does take 2 to 3 years to grow before it can be harvested.

  • Asparagus can grow up to 7 inches daily.

Medicinal uses for Asparagus:

Asparagus is not only a delicious and nutritious vegetable, but it also has several potential medicinal uses and health benefits. Some of the medicinal uses and health benefits of asparagus include:

  1. Diuretic Properties: Asparagus has diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production. This can help in the removal of excess salt and water from the body, which may be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure and edema.

  2. Digestive Health: Asparagus is a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movements. The fiber in asparagus can help prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive system.

  3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Asparagus contains various antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  4. Weight Management: Asparagus is low in calories and rich in fiber, making it a good choice for individuals looking to manage their weight. The fiber content helps with satiety and can reduce overall calorie intake.

  5. Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that asparagus may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.

  6. Urinary Tract Health: Asparagus contains a compound called asparagine, which has been associated with improving urinary tract health. It may help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of kidney stones.

  7. Anticancer Potential: Asparagus contains various bioactive compounds, including saponins and antioxidants, that may have anticancer properties. While more research is needed, some studies have shown that these compounds could inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

  8. Vitamin and Mineral Content: Asparagus is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health, including bone health and immune system function.

  9. Brain Health: Folate, a B-vitamin found in asparagus, is crucial for brain health. Adequate folate intake is associated with a reduced risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy and may also contribute to cognitive function in adults.

  10. Anti-Aging Properties: The antioxidants in asparagus can help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, potentially slowing down the aging process.

It's important to note that while asparagus has several potential medicinal uses and health benefits, it should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment or advice. Asparagus is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet to support overall health.