How to Farm Asparagus

Choose a location with good drainage and sun exposure for planting your asparagus. A soil pH of 7.0 or 7.5 is best for encouraging excellent growth.

Prepare the soil in the fall, a year prior to planting, if possible. Loosen the dirt with a shovel and mulch some organic matter such as leaves into the soil or add a commercial compost, following the manufacturer's instructions. Remove all weeds from the planting area before placing the seedlings in the ground.

Place the asparagus seedling 6 inches deep and 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 4 feet apart to allow for the growth of the crowns. A crown is the part of the asparagus plant that grows underground and increases as the plant ages.

Water sparingly after the plant is established, unless drought conditions exist. Asparagus plants develop roots up to 10 feet and tolerate dry weather conditions well.

Mulch the asparagus plants by laying a protective layer, up to a foot thick, of leaves, straw, or peat around the plants. This helps prevent moisture evaporation, root freezing, weed growth and encourages the plant shoots to emerge from the soil earlier. If using a commercial mulch, follow the manufacturer's package instructions.

Pull weeds around the asparagus seedlings on a consistent basis to prevent the plants from being overrun. Weeds easily overtake the seedlings and may require replanting of seedlings if not controlled.

Harvest asparagus spears the second year after planting to prevent weakening the plant. Cut or snap the spears from the crowns. Choose stalks that are about 8 inches tall with fully closed tips.