Growing asparagus from scraps is an interesting and eco-friendly method to cultivate fresh asparagus shoots in your own garden. It’s important to note, however, that asparagus is typically grown from crowns planted in the ground, rather than from cut ends or “scraps.” The term “scraps” may refer to the bottom woody part of the asparagus stalks that are usually discarded during meal preparation. While these are not commonly used for propagation, I can guide you on how to start growing asparagus using crowns, as this is the best method for successful cultivation.
Step 1: Understand the Asparagus Lifecycle
Before you start, it’s essential to know that asparagus is a perennial plant that can produce for up to 20 years if properly maintained. The plant needs a dormant period every year to thrive and produce spears in the following growing season.
Step 2: Obtain Asparagus Crowns
Visit a local nursery or order asparagus crowns online. These are one-year-old plants that are ready to be transplanted into your garden. While it’s tempting to try and plant asparagus from the leftovers of your kitchen scraps, this method is not likely to be successful. Asparagus crowns are the recommended starting point for a productive asparagus bed.
Step 3: Choose the Right Location
Select a sunny spot in your garden with good drainage. Asparagus plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The area should also be free from weeds and have a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH.
Step 4: Prepare the Soil
Prepare a bed for the asparagus by digging trenches around 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the bottom of the trench to enrich the soil and promote drainage.
Step 5: Plant the Asparagus Crowns
Place the asparagus crowns in the trench, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart. Spread the roots out evenly and cover them with 2 to 3 inches of soil. Water the newly planted crowns thoroughly.
Step 6: Care for Your Asparagus Plants
As the asparagus grows, gradually fill in the trench with more soil until it is level with the rest of your garden. Keep the bed moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize the asparagus bed each spring and after the last harvest in the fall. Use a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions.
Step 7: Be Patient
Asparagus requires patience as it will not be ready for a full harvest until about 2-3 years after planting. During the first two years, it is recommended that you do not harvest the spears so that the plants can establish a strong root system.
Step 8: Harvest Asparagus
In the third year, you can begin to harvest the asparagus spears over a four to six-week period. Cut or snap off spears that are about 8 inches tall and thicker than a pencil.
Step 9: Annual Maintenance
Post-harvest, allow the asparagus to grow into ferns, which nourish the roots for the next season. Cut back the ferns after they’ve died back in the fall and apply mulch to protect the crowns throughout the winter.
Growing asparagus from scraps may not be the most reliable method, but by using crowns and following these steps carefully, you can establish an asparagus bed that will provide you with fresh shoots year after year.