What To Know
- where to buy asparagus crowns and help you choose the best variety for your garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come.
- Planting crowns is the most common way to start an asparagus patch, offering a faster and more reliable way to enjoy fresh asparagus compared to starting from seed.
- With a little care and attention, your asparagus patch will reward you with years of fresh, vibrant spears, adding a touch of spring to your table all year long.
Asparagus is a spring delicacy that brings a vibrant flavor and unique texture to any meal. But did you know that you can skip the waiting game and enjoy fresh asparagus all season long by planting your own asparagus crowns? This guide will answer the burning question: where to buy asparagus crowns and help you choose the best variety for your garden, ensuring a bountiful harvest for years to come.
Understanding Asparagus Crowns
Asparagus crowns are essentially the roots of the asparagus plant, containing the buds that will eventually sprout into delicious spears. Planting crowns is the most common way to start an asparagus patch, offering a faster and more reliable way to enjoy fresh asparagus compared to starting from seed.
Where to Buy Asparagus Crowns: Your Options
1. Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
Local nurseries and garden centers are often the best place to start your search for asparagus crowns. They usually carry a selection of varieties suited to your region’s climate and soil conditions. Plus, you can get expert advice from knowledgeable staff on planting and care.
2. Online Retailers
For a wider variety of asparagus crowns and potentially more competitive prices, online retailers are a great option. Look for reputable websites specializing in vegetable plants or seeds.
3. Mail-Order Catalogs
Many seed and plant catalogs offer asparagus crowns for sale. This can be a convenient option, especially if you prefer to browse and select your crowns from a catalog.
Choosing the Right Asparagus Variety
With so many varieties of asparagus available, selecting the right one for your garden is crucial. Consider these factors:
- Climate: Choose varieties that thrive in your region’s climate. Some varieties are better suited to colder climates, while others prefer warmer temperatures.
- Harvest Season: Decide whether you want early, mid-season, or late-harvesting asparagus.
- Spear Size and Flavor: Some varieties produce thicker spears with a more robust flavor, while others have thinner spears with a milder taste.
- Disease Resistance: Opt for varieties known for their resistance to common asparagus diseases.
Planting Your Asparagus Crowns
Once you have your asparagus crowns, it’s time to plant them. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Prepare the Soil: Asparagus prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Incorporate compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
2. Dig Trenches: Dig trenches about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
3. Space the Crowns: Space the crowns 18-24 inches apart in the trenches.
4. Cover the Crowns: Cover the crowns with about 2-3 inches of soil and water thoroughly.
5. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Asparagus Patch
Asparagus requires minimal care once established. Here are some key tips:
- Water Regularly: Water deeply during dry periods, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize Annually: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide essential nutrients.
- Control Weeds: Keep weeds at bay to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Harvest Wisely: Harvest spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and have a closed tip. Don’t harvest all the spears at once, leave some to allow the plant to grow and establish itself.
Enjoying Your Asparagus Harvest
After a year or two, your asparagus patch will start producing a bountiful harvest. Enjoy your fresh asparagus in a variety of dishes, from simple roasted spears to gourmet pasta dishes and creamy soups.
Final Thoughts: A Year-Round Feast of Asparagus
Planting asparagus crowns is an investment in a delicious and sustainable future. With a little care and attention, your asparagus patch will reward you with years of fresh, vibrant spears, adding a touch of spring to your table all year long.
Popular Questions
1. When is the best time to plant asparagus crowns?
The best time to plant asparagus crowns is in the early spring, after the last frost.
2. How long does it take for asparagus to grow from crowns?
It takes about 1-2 years for asparagus plants to establish themselves and start producing a significant harvest.
3. Can I buy asparagus crowns at a grocery store?
While you might find asparagus spears at the grocery store, it’s unlikely you’ll find asparagus crowns for planting there.
4. How long do asparagus crowns last?
Asparagus crowns can last for several years if properly cared for and planted in a suitable location.
5. Is it worth planting asparagus crowns?
Absolutely! Planting asparagus crowns is a worthwhile investment for any gardener who enjoys fresh, homegrown produce. You’ll be rewarded with years of delicious asparagus spears, and the satisfaction of growing your own food.
