Best soil amendments for asparagus - Ask Extension
A few years ago I started asparagus from seed in a raised bed in the back of my yard. They didn't do well so this year I ordered asparagus crowns to s...
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Best soil amendments for asparagus #864059
Asked April 11, 2024, 8:29 AM EDT
A few years ago I started asparagus from seed in a raised bed in the back of my yard. They didn't do well so this year I ordered asparagus crowns to start in a spot that gets more sun. These I will be planting directly into the ground (no raised bed.) However our soil is very clay like. I'm planning to add compost and some garden soil when I plant them in their rows but I'm concerned the soil will be too heavy for them or waterlogged after rain. Do you have any suggestions?
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Asparagus can grow in heavy, medium, or sandy soils, as long as the soils are well-drained and do not exhibit pooling water after rains. If water does pool in your planting area after a rain, it may still may fine to plant there. As long as the water drains off within 24 hours. Possibly you can add more soil to this area to build it up to a higher level.
Before planting asparagus, have your soil tested to see if the soil has the right amount of nutrients for asparagus to thrive. If your soil does appear to be mostly clay, add a 2" thick layer of weed-free compost to your soil before planting.
I have included a link on soil testing and how to grow asparagus.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
https://extension.psu.edu/growing-asparagus-in-the-home-garden
Before planting asparagus, have your soil tested to see if the soil has the right amount of nutrients for asparagus to thrive. If your soil does appear to be mostly clay, add a 2" thick layer of weed-free compost to your soil before planting.
I have included a link on soil testing and how to grow asparagus.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132
https://extension.psu.edu/growing-asparagus-in-the-home-garden
