This is the first of a four part series on asparagus written by Carl Cantaluppi, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. Carl is a well-known national expert in asparagus production, and in this series he shares with us his many years of experience working with this crop and provides key considerations for grower success.

Research shows that asparagus can be harvested for 2 weeks the year after planting with no harm. In fact, this stimulates more buds (spears) to be produced on the crown that gives rise to greater yields in future years as compared with not harvesting them until the second or third year after planting.

This is the last of a 4-part series on asparagus production. This installment deals with field care issues.

Asparagus will grow well on a sandy loam soil or a heavier soil, as long as it drains well. Try to enrich the soil as much as you can before planting by increasing the organic matter content.