An asparagus bed is an investment in future springs. Good site preparation and a patient first season matter more than an early handful of spears.
Plant healthy crowns in a sunny, well-drained permanent bed. Keep weeds down, water during establishment and let ferns build the root system. Do not harvest the planting-year spears.
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Before you begin
Asparagus can occupy a bed for well over a decade. Place its tall summer ferns where they will not shade shorter crops. Check your region’s recommended cultivar and planting depth.
What you’ll need
- Healthy asparagus crowns
- Prepared permanent bed
- Garden tool
- Water source
- Compost and soil-test advice
Optional tools & supplies
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Use what you already have. Choose supplies that fit your task, and check instructions and current prices.
Kings County Tools 17-in garden hoe and trowelLowe’s · ProductUse shallow strokes near plant roots and keep hands and feet clear of the edge.
NeverKink FLX 5/8-in x 50-ft garden hoseLowe’s · ProductChoose the length and fittings for your garden. Follow the hose’s drinking-water and temperature restrictions.
Let’s do this
Step by step
- 01
Choose the site for the long term
Find full sun, good drainage and enough access for weeding and harvest. Clear perennial weeds before planting; removing them later among established roots is much harder.
- 02
Prepare soil and inspect crowns
Use a soil test and incorporate appropriate amendments before planting. Select firm healthy crowns with viable buds, avoiding badly shriveled or rotting roots. Keep them from drying out while preparing the bed.
- 03
Spread roots in the planting trench
Follow your supplier and local extension depth recommendation. Set the crown’s buds upward with roots spread rather than bunched. Maryland describes crowns roughly 15–18 inches apart with generous row spacing.
- 04
Cover, settle and maintain
Cover as your chosen planting method directs, water in and keep moisture steady without saturation. Remove weeds carefully around emerging spears to avoid damaging them.
- 05
Let the first season grow into ferns
Do not harvest new planting-year spears. Harvesting schedules vary with vigor and local guidance; waiting through establishment protects future production. Keep healthy green ferns growing to replenish the roots.
Plan the first harvest conservatively
Some extension schedules permit a light second-season harvest, while others wait longer. If growth is weak, skip harvest. A few early meals are not worth exhausting a bed intended to produce for years.
A quick final check
- Permanent sunny site chosen
- Perennial weeds removed
- Roots spread and buds up
- Planting-year harvest skipped
Common questions & sticking points
Can I start from seed?
Yes, but seedlings generally need an extra establishment year compared with crowns.
Should I cut down green ferns after spring?
No. Healthy green ferns support the crown. Follow regional guidance for removing old foliage later in the season.
Sources & further reading Optional
References used to check this guide. Follow your product’s own safety instructions where its design differs.
Last source check: September 24, 2026
