asparagus question

We want to grow asparagus but do not know any thing about it. Do you need to grow it with strawberries when companion planning? How long does it take to grow? And what kind of soil and sun do they need?

I've never grown asparagus, hopefully someone else will be able to answer this. If not, I'll go online and see if I can find some info for you after church tonight.

This is a bit late, but I will bring it back to the top before I continue archiving old posts.

Asparagus are best grown in their own bed away from other crops, or placed along the edge of the garden. The crowns (roots) need rich deep soil and do best in full sun with lots of compost. A well drained area is also recommended. Plant early in the spring in a trench that is about 10" deep with loose soil and compost in the bottom of the trench, cover with 3" of dirt, water and wait. As the Asparagus grows slowly add soil and compost back into the trench. Do not harvest the first two years it grows. The third year it grows harvest some, but not all of the sprouts for about 5 to 6 weeks. Then just let it grow and feed the roots. Cut down all growth every fall, around a killing frost, and mulch for the winter.

Easy as pie, just be patient and it will produce for 20 years or more. Those roots will go up to 6 feet deep.

I've never even attempted to grow asparagus before, but after reading that they produce for many years I decided to give it a try. I've only eaten asparagus once in my life, so I'll have to learn different ways to prepare it.

What's the best way to preserve it? Does it spread through it's root system? I have no clues on this. When is the best time of the year to plant the crowns?

Ok to avoid repeating information, and to try to streamline this discussion please see How to start an Asparagus bed here:

https://christianhomesteader.forumotion.net/t2426-how-to-start-an-asparagus-bed#9445

While we use crowns to start our beds Asparagus produces a berry and seeds to propagate itself.

Thanks Keith. See what you got started? LOL I just now noticed we have 3 threads on it.

preserving Asparagus it can be canned, like any low acid vegetable it needs to be hot processed, and looses something in the process. Freezing is also a viable alternative, but will be limp when thawed. Of the two I prefer canning.

As for the cooking, or rather preparing it to be eaten, that is a matter of taste. Steamed with salt and pepper to taste is always a safe bet. Brushed with olive oil, and grilled till done then salted to taste is also a safe bet. Stir fried with carrots, peppers, onion, and fresh garlic makes a bold taste for fajitas. Raw and chilled with your favorite vinegar based salad dressing makes a fine side dish. Get creative, have fun with it, and enjoy!