How to Grow Asparagus in Your Home Garden, According to an Expert

Looking to add a tasty, low-maintenance crop to your vegetable garden that’ll reward you for years to come? Growing asparagus might just be your next favorite gardening adventure. Yes, it takes a little patience to get started—but once asparagus is established, it comes back year after year like clockwork, producing tender, flavorful spears each spring.

To get the dirt (pun intended!) on how to grow asparagus the right way, landscape architect and horticulturist Michael Clarke shared his expert tips—from soil prep to planting and common beginner mistakes. With the right approach, asparagus can become one of the most rewarding crops in any backyard garden. Let’s dig in!

What kind of soil is best for growing asparagus?

Asparagus loves its space and soil just right. The ideal soil? Well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam is perfect, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 (just slightly acidic to neutral).

“Good drainage is key,” says Clarke. “If the soil stays too wet, the crowns can rot, and that’s tough to recover from.” Before planting, work in plenty of compost or well-aged manure to give your asparagus the nutrients it needs to get off to a strong start.

Spacing matters, too. Plant asparagus crowns about 12 to 18 inches apart in trenches that are 6 to 8 inches deep. Space rows about 3 to 5 feet apart to give those root systems room to breathe. “Cover the crowns with about 2 inches of soil to start,” Clarke recommends. “Then gradually fill in the trench as the shoots grow taller.” This helps the plants develop sturdy, healthy spears.

When is the best time to plant asparagus crowns?

Early spring is prime time for planting asparagus crowns—ideally as soon as the soil can be worked and the danger of a deep freeze has passed. In most regions, that’s between March and May.

And remember: Asparagus is the definition of a long game. “It typically takes two to three years after planting for a full harvest,” says Clarke. “But once it’s established, asparagus plants can produce for 15 to even 20 years with good care.”

It’s tempting to harvest those first spears, but resist! Let the plants build energy during their first couple of seasons. “Harvesting too early weakens the root system and shortens the lifespan of the plant,” Clarke explains. By year three, you’ll be able to pick fresh asparagus for six to eight weeks each spring.

What are some common mistakes new gardeners make when growing asparagus?

Like any garden crop, asparagus has its fussy moments. Clarke sees new gardeners make a few common missteps:

Planting too shallow or too deep: Both can stress the crowns and stunt growth.

Poor drainage: This can lead to root rot, which is hard to bounce back from.

Letting weeds take over: Asparagus doesn’t like competition early on. “Not weeding aggressively in the first year can really set you back,” Clarke warns.

His go-to solution? Mulch! A layer of mulch helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. Just make sure to keep it a couple inches away from the base of each plant to avoid rot

With a bit of prep and a healthy dose of patience, asparagus is one of the most rewarding vegetables you can grow. Once it’s in, it takes care of itself with very little fuss—and gives back for years. Grilled with a touch of olive oil and salt? Yes, please!

So grab a shovel, roll up your sleeves, and get those asparagus crowns in the ground. Your future self (and your dinner plate) will thank you.

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.