What to do about asparagus - Ask Extension
Hi we planted a garden in a garden plot made by previous owners. It looks like they planted asparagus which I tried to dig up. I missed some and it is...
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What to do about asparagus #867997
Asked May 11, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
Hi we planted a garden in a garden plot made by previous owners. It looks like they planted asparagus which I tried to dig up. I missed some and it is producing very quickly. Is this asparagus? Can we still pick and eat it? Alternatively is there an easiest way to get root bulb out? They’re very deep.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello; Thanks for submitting your garden and landscaping questions to the University of Maryland Ask Extension Service.
Yes, that looks like an asparagus spear emerging from your garden plot. You know that emerging asparagus spears/stalks are edible if harvested before they branch out feathery foliage as it as spears becomes hard, woody and too chewy if not harvested soon after emerging.
Digging out the roots of this plant should not be too difficult although roots may be deep. You may see other asparagus plants emerging later this Spring. See this UMd Extension webpage on improving soil health in your garden: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/improve-soil-health-climate-resilient-garden/.
Good luck with your gardening efforts. Thanks; Christopher
Yes, that looks like an asparagus spear emerging from your garden plot. You know that emerging asparagus spears/stalks are edible if harvested before they branch out feathery foliage as it as spears becomes hard, woody and too chewy if not harvested soon after emerging.
Digging out the roots of this plant should not be too difficult although roots may be deep. You may see other asparagus plants emerging later this Spring. See this UMd Extension webpage on improving soil health in your garden: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/improve-soil-health-climate-resilient-garden/.
Good luck with your gardening efforts. Thanks; Christopher
