How to Build Asparagus Beds

Easy to grow, with returning plants for many years, asparagus is one plant no vegetable garden should be without. You grow these veggies in beds, or carefully planned areas, solely for asparagus to grow, as they are highly competitive and will not stand for other plants or weeds to grow around them. Two crowns are all you need to get started building an asparagus bed in your garden.

5-foot-square area in the garden
Lime or sphagnum peat
Shovel and hoe
Compost
Balanced fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Take a sample of your garden soil to test the pH level. The pH determines whether your soil is acidic or alkaline with a measurement of 0 to 14, with a pH of seven considered neutral. Your local university extension should be able to test the soil for you, or ask your local garden center for assistance.
- 2
  Adjust the pH of the soil by adding lime to increase the pH and sphagnum peat to lower the pH level of the soil. Asparagus prefer a well-draining soil with a pH measuring a neutral seven.
- 3
  Prepare the specified area in the garden with the shovel or hoe. This size plot will house two asparagus plants comfortably. Add 1 1/2 feet to the area for each additional plant.
- 4
  Dig the area 8 to-12 inches deep. Add a 3-inch layer of compost and 1/2 lb. of fertilizer to the area. Mix the soil well with the hoe.
- 5
  Dig trenches 10-inches square. Leave 3 feet of space between the trenches.
- 6
  Place a teaspoon each of compost and fertilizer in the trench. Place an asparagus crown in each trench.
- 7
  Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil and water well. Each week as you water the plants, gradually add more soil to the trench until you fill the trench to the top. Place organic mulch around the plants to keep weeds away.

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