It's interesting that asparagus roots can in the right circumstances get 10 feet deep, I didn't know that. Avoid areas with shallow soils, or soils prone to water-saturation. Soils ranging from slightly acid to slightly alkaline (pH. Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant which grows to 36 to 60" tall, with stout stems and clusters of feathery foliage. However, for the health conscious: they are incredibly tasty, loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, copper, and has lots of fiber. Asparagus is a perennial crop that produces spears year after year for 10 to 15 years or longer if the plants are given adequate care. As your asparagus grows, avoid the temptation to harvest early on! That means a lot of added fertilizer and water. Asparagus crowns can be purchased online or from your local nursery. Root Depth Guide If you’re wondering why your plants sometimes aren’t doing very well and you’ve done everything possible, the problem may be they need more root space. Once asparagus plants reach their third year, you can harvest them fully every year, usually over a period of at least two months. Actually asparagus roots from healthy certified disease free crowns that have been in the ground for a number of years can grow roots up to 10-15 feet deep (not 12”). This will give the asparagus roots plenty of space to grow. Harvest Asparagus in 3 weeks. When looking for crowns look for fresh ones with firm roots. The edge of a garden might be preferable to the middle to accommodate Asparagus is usually planted in the form of bare-root crowns. Asparagus is one of those perennial vegetables that people seem to either love or hate. If possible, sift the soil to remove rocks, sticks, roots, and other debris to a depth of 12 inches (30 centimeters) or more before planting. If the roots are shriveled or feel papery, don't use them. Asparagus will tolerate soils too acidic or too alkaline for many other crops, but yields on … All these benefits make 3 Year Asparagus a worthy investment for your garden. Easy to plant fast to grow. It looks like April 15-May 1 is the recommended time frame for your zone. And I think they’ll do great in your two foot deep beds. You still have some time to get your asparagus planted. To grow your own, here is our complete guide to growing asparagus. Asparagus plants have deep root systems. Whether growing in raised beds, or in the ground, it’s important to consider how much space they need beneath. Truck Crops Effective Root Zone Depth (Inches) Truck Crops Effective Root Zone Depth (Inches) Asparagus 36 Lima beans 24 Beets 18 Melons 24 Broccoli 18 Okra 18 Cabbage 18 Onions - bunch 6 Carrots 18 Onions - dry 12 These are 1-year-old clumps of roots with dormant buds that can be planted directly in the garden. Because it remains in the same location for many years, it’s important to select a planting site that’s convenient, as well as having good growing characteristics in mind. Image your garden with many varieties of Asparagus. Asparagus roots may reach a depth of 10 feet and the soil should allow full development of the storage roots. Why buy 3 Year Asparagus roots? TABLE NJ 3.4 Effective Root Zone Moisture Extraction Depth in Unrestricted Soils (Top 50% of the root zone). Set the asparagus crowns in the bottom of the hole on top of the compost with the roots spread out. If the asparagus bed is to be part of a larger vegetable garden, the best place is at the north end of the garden, so that the tall ferns do not shade the other crops. 6.0-7.5) are best. Gardening Asparagus is low maintenance. Buy Asparagus … But the real message is that they are heavy feeders and take a lot of water. It is highly dependent on the variety and the soil and the nutrition and water provided.