How to Grow Asparagus from a Seed
You've decided you want to plant asparagus in your garden. But instead of just buying a year old crown from a nursery, you want to start it from a seed. I understand. There's something about starting a plant from a seed that's more satisfying than just buying an already established plant.
Unlike most vegetables that are growing in your garden, asparagus takes time and a lot of planning ahead. The asparagus plant grows to be about 4-5 feet tall in the fall, they can spread through out your garden if not watched over, and planting from a seed can take three or more years before you can actually start enjoying your hard work by having asparagus for dinner.
Starting From a Seed
While it may be possible to place the seed directly in the ground, it's best to start them indoors in several small pots. Late winter or early spring is the best time to sow your seeds. To begin, first fill a small bowl or cup with lukewarm water, and allow the seeds to soak for 24 hours. Asparagus grows best in a somewhat sandy soil mixture because this type of mixture allows the water to drain better. Place two seeds into each pot and cover them with roughly one inch of dirt. Water your asparagus seeds several times per week and watch as they grow to be about four inches high. Now you're ready to place them in your garden.
To the Garden!
The best place in your garden for asparagus would be closer to the north side, which prevents the full grown asparagus plants from taking sunlight away from the other plants in your garden. This also allows them to take in sunlight all day. Unlike your other vegetables, asparagus is a perennial, so you need to make sure you're satisfied with where you plant the asparagus. It's going to be there for up to 15 years.
Dig holes about one foot apart and 4-6 inches deep in one long row. If you're going to plant several rows, try to have rows at least two feet apart. Remember to leave room so you can walk around the plants when it's time to harvest. Most gardeners recommend placing organic fertilizers in each hole to give your plant the needed nutrients for plant growth.
Transplant both plants from a pot into one hole. You don't need to worry about thinning out your plants because about two crowns per hole should be fine. Try to keep as much of the dirt around the roots as possible.
Now Just Wait
Now it's time to make sure the asparagus is getting enough water and then, just wait. When you're ready to eat your asparagus, it should be about 4-6 inches tall and cut about one inch below the soil. You can expect to be able to eat asparagus during the spring time. Once the size of the newer spears gets closer to 1/2 inch, stop cutting them, and allow them to grow throughout the rest of the summer.
Three Years: From Seed to Asparagus to Plate
It'll be at least three years before you'll be able to harvest any asparagus though, but that's the greatest part, reaping the rewards for your hard work and diligence.
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