What To Know
- ” This guide will walk you through all the options, from local nurseries to online retailers, so you can find the perfect plants to start your own asparagus patch.
- Online retailers offer a convenient way to buy asparagus plants, especially if you don’t have a local nursery nearby.
- While not a dedicated plant retailer, Amazon offers a variety of asparagus plants from different sellers.
If you’re dreaming of fresh, homegrown asparagus spears, you’re probably wondering, “Where can I buy asparagus plants?” This guide will walk you through all the options, from local nurseries to online retailers, so you can find the perfect plants to start your own asparagus patch.
Local Nurseries: The Heart of Asparagus Shopping
Local nurseries are often the best place to start your search for asparagus plants. They offer several benefits:
- Expert Advice: Nursery staff are knowledgeable about local growing conditions and can recommend the best asparagus varieties for your area.
- Healthy Plants: Nurseries typically source their plants from reputable growers, ensuring they are healthy and vigorous.
- Support: Local nurseries often provide ongoing support, answering questions about planting, care, and harvesting.
Tips for Finding Local Nurseries:
- Online Search: Use Google Maps or a local directory to find nurseries near you.
- Ask Around: Talk to friends, neighbors, and fellow gardeners for recommendations.
- Visit During Spring: Spring is the best time to find a wide selection of asparagus plants.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Online retailers offer a convenient way to buy asparagus plants, especially if you don’t have a local nursery nearby. They provide a wide selection of varieties and often offer detailed information about each plant.
Popular Online Retailers:
- Burpee: Known for its wide variety of seeds and plants, Burpee offers a selection of asparagus cultivars.
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds: This company specializes in high-quality seeds and plants, including asparagus.
- Stark Bro’s: A long-standing provider of fruit trees, berry bushes, and other plants, Stark Bro’s also offers asparagus cultivars.
- Amazon: While not a dedicated plant retailer, Amazon offers a variety of asparagus plants from different sellers.
Tips for Buying Online:
- Read Reviews: Check customer reviews to ensure the seller is reputable and the plants are healthy.
- Consider Shipping Costs: Factor in shipping costs, which can vary depending on the retailer and your location.
- Choose the Right Variety: Research different asparagus cultivars to find one suitable for your climate and growing conditions.
Mail-Order Nurseries: A Wide Selection Delivered to Your Door
Mail-order nurseries specialize in shipping plants directly to your home. They offer a vast selection of asparagus varieties, often including heirloom and unusual cultivars.
Top Mail-Order Nurseries:
- White Flower Farm: This renowned mail-order nursery offers a curated selection of asparagus plants.
- Gardens Alive!: This company specializes in plants, seeds, and gardening supplies, including asparagus.
- Territorial Seed Company: Known for its focus on organic and heirloom varieties, Territorial Seed Company offers a selection of asparagus plants.
Tips for Ordering from Mail-Order Nurseries:
- Order Early: Asparagus plants are typically shipped in the spring, so order early to ensure availability.
- Check Shipping Zones: Ensure the nursery ships to your area.
- Understand Shipping Times: Be aware of potential delays due to weather or other factors.
Choosing the Right Asparagus Variety
With so many asparagus varieties available, choosing the right one for your garden can be overwhelming. Consider these factors:
- Climate: Some varieties are better suited to specific climates. For example, ‘Purple Passion’ is known for its cold hardiness.
- Harvest Season: Different varieties have different harvest seasons. ‘Jersey Giant’ is a popular choice for its early harvest.
- Taste: Some varieties are known for their sweet, tender spears, while others have a slightly bitter flavor.
- Growing Habits: Consider the plant’s size and growth rate. ‘Alben’ is a compact variety, while ‘Mary Washington’ is known for its vigorous growth.
Planting Your Asparagus Plants: A Guide to Success
Once you’ve chosen your asparagus plants, it’s time to plant them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare the Soil: Asparagus prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.
2. Dig a Trench: Dig a trench 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
3. Space the Plants: Space the asparagus plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the trench.
4. Plant the Crowns: Place the asparagus crowns in the trench with the roots spread out. Cover the crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
5. Water Thoroughly: Water the plants deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for Your Asparagus Plants: Essential Tips
Once planted, asparagus plants need regular care to thrive. Here are some essential tips:
- Water Regularly: Asparagus plants need consistent moisture, especially during the first year. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize Annually: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide nutrients for growth.
- Control Weeds: Keep the area around the asparagus plants free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest Strategically: Harvest asparagus spears for only 6 to 8 weeks each year to allow the plants to build up energy for the next season.
The Joy of Harvesting: Enjoying Your Homegrown Asparagus
After a year or two of establishing, your asparagus plants will be ready to produce delicious spears. Harvest them when they are tender and about 6 to 8 inches tall.
A Bountiful Future: The Rewards of Growing Asparagus
Growing your own asparagus is a rewarding experience. Not only will you enjoy fresh, flavorful spears, but you’ll also be providing a valuable source of nutrients for your family. With proper care and attention, your asparagus plants will produce a bountiful harvest for many years to come.
A Final Word: Beyond the Harvest
Asparagus is more than just a delicious vegetable; it’s a symbol of resilience, patience, and the rewards of careful cultivation. As you nurture your asparagus plants, you’ll also be nurturing a connection to the earth and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to plant asparagus?
A: The best time to plant asparagus is in the early spring, after the last frost.
Q: How long does it take for asparagus to grow?
A: It takes about 2 to 3 years for asparagus plants to establish and start producing a full harvest.
Q: How do I know when my asparagus plants are ready to harvest?
A: Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 to 8 inches tall and tender.
Q: How long can I harvest asparagus each year?
A: You can harvest asparagus for about 6 to 8 weeks each year.
Q: What are the best asparagus varieties for beginners?
A: ‘Jersey Giant’ and ‘Mary Washington’ are popular choices for beginners due to their vigorous growth and high yield.
