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Did you know that I have failed at growing asparagus once before? Honestly, I still get mad at myself because I was so darn close to homegrown asparagus. Technically, I did actually sample one spear and it was delicious! Today I’m going to share about planting asparagus bare roots for Spring, but also tell you the story of my previous asparagus so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Asparagus is a delicious and healthy vegetable that is well worth the time and effort required to grow it properly. With the right soil preparation and care, an asparagus bed can produce abundant spears for up to 20 years. One of the key steps when planting asparagus is deciding whether or not to soak the roots first. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine if soaking is recommended, the pros and cons, proper soaking methods, and provide tips for optimal asparagus root health.
Why Soak Asparagus Roots?
Soaking asparagus roots before planting has a few potential benefits:
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Hydrates the roots – Bare-root asparagus crowns can dry out quickly when exposed to sun and wind. Soaking rehydrates the roots so they are robust when planted.
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Triggers growth – The extra hydration may help spur root growth and plant establishment after transplanting.
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Cleanses the roots – Soaking can wash away any debris or dust clinging to the roots after handling and shipping
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Prolongs storage – If planting must be delayed, soaking and covering the roots in damp moss helps keep them hydrated in storage
So soaking provides an easy way to pamper your asparagus roots before planting them in their permanent bed.
Is Soaking Necessary? The Pros and Cons
While soaking asparagus roots can be beneficial, it is not strictly required. Some gardeners skip soaking and have success planting the crowns directly. Here are the key pros and cons
Pros of soaking roots:
- Roots are hydrated, which helps them better withstand transplant stress
- May promote faster growth and establishment
- Extends viability if planting is delayed
- Removes surface debris from roots
- Very easy process with minimal effort
Cons of soaking roots:
- Adds time and an extra step before planting
- Requires having root crowns on hand earlier to soak before scheduled planting date
- Can encourage mold growth on roots if soaked too long
- Will not completely prevent transplant shock
Overall, most gardening experts recommend soaking roots as the benefits tend to outweigh the drawbacks for most home gardeners. However, it is not an absolutely critical step, so skip if needed.
How to Properly Soak Asparagus Roots
If you choose to soak your asparagus roots, follow these recommendations for best results:
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Soak for 1-12 hours – A short soak of just 1-2 hours will provide some hydration benefits. For optimal results, soak for 4-12 hours.
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Use room temperature, non-chlorinated water – Cooler water will slow water uptake. Avoid using very warm water. Tap water with chlorine can damage tender roots. Using bottled, filtered, rain or distilled water is best.
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Consider adding beneficial compounds – Some gardeners add liquids like compost tea, seaweed extract or fish emulsion to the soaking water, which may provide nutrition.
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Gently wash roots – You can gently swish the crowns in the water to dislodge any dirt or debris on the root surfaces. Do not scrub vigorously.
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Keep roots submerged – Weigh down crowns with a brick or stone to keep them fully under water during soaking to maximize contact.
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Store moist if planting is delayed – If you can’t plant right after soaking, wrap wet roots in damp burlap, moss or paper towels and refrigerate up to 5 days.
Following these guidelines will properly hydrate roots while avoiding potential issues like mold growth.
Other Tips for Asparagus Root Health
Beyond soaking, here are some other great tips to keep asparagus roots healthy:
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Select fresh, plump crowns – Choose crowns with nice fat roots and avoid any with discoloration or shriveling.
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Plant ASAP – Don’t leave crowns sitting out. Plant them immediately if possible. If you can’t plant right away, soak and refrigerate.
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Dig soil deeply – Loose, deep soil encourages the roots to grow strong and establish a sturdy plant.
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Space properly – Give crowns proper spacing of 12-18 inches apart and 3-5 feet between rows.
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Water consistently – Water thoroughly after planting and provide 1-2 inches of water per week consistently for the first few seasons.
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Weed diligently – Remove all competing weeds which can impair root development.
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Fertilize wisely – Use balanced organic fertilizer or aged manure to provide nutrition without burning tender roots.
Pre-soaking asparagus roots is a simple process that most gardeners recommend prior to planting for improved hydration and vigor. While not absolutely required, the benefits of soaking tend to outweigh any downsides. Follow proper timing guidelines and soaking best practices, then plant your rejuvenated crowns quickly for optimal establishment. With well-hydrated roots planted into deep, loose soil and appropriate ongoing care, you can expect your asparagus to thrive for decades to come.
Things to Consider Before Planting Asparagus
When Stark Bros ships asparagus plants, they arrive as a package of bare-root, 1-year-old crowns. Each crown (top-center of the plant) has a long root system. Remove all weeds and grass from the planting site to give your new asparagus a clean start. Separate the asparagus crowns from the bundle and soak the bare-root asparagus roots in water* for 15-30 minutes prior to planting so that they are well hydrated going into the ground.
*for a jump-start, consider soaking your asparagus in nutrient-rich organic compost- or manure-tea!
Planting a Perennial Asparagus Patch
Edible perennials are the biggest contributors to a backyard food garden! Essentially, these are plants that will come back year after year and provide you with insanely delicious, homegrown food. In fact, one of my very favorite edible perennials for the garden is artichokes. If you’ve been following me a while, you know how much we love our artichoke bed that has been producing the most prolific artichokes for several years now (photo below). You can check out my Artichoke Growing FAQ if you’d like to learn more. Honestly, I don’t find asparagus plants to be really attractive in the garden, but they do make up for it in terms of value (asparagus is so expensive in stores). This is just my personal opinion.
Asparagus patches can produce for more than a decade if cared for properly. This is why it’s important to find an area of the garden you can dedicate to them if possible. Otherwise, I think it’s fine to try growing asparagus wherever you want! Just know that the longevity of your patch might suffer. Asparagus need full sun too.
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Everything You Need to Know About Planting Bare Root Asparagus
FAQ
Should you soak asparagus roots in water before planting?
3. **Planting Conditions**: If you have well-prepared soil that is moist and ready for planting, the roots may not require soaking. However, if your soil is dry or if you’re planting in less-than-ideal conditions, soaking can give your asparagus crowns a better start.
Should asparagus seeds be soaked before planting?
Asparagus seed has a hard seed coat so recommendations range from a soak of two hours to 2 days in water before planting. I gave mine at least two hours to soak while I readied the pellets for planting. Use enough water to generously cover the seed.
What should you not plant near asparagus?
- #1: Allium Family (onion, garlic leeks, shallots, chives)
- #2: Potatoes
- #3: Carrots
Should I soak roots before planting?
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1. Time:Soak roots for 2-4 hours, or up to 8-12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours. Soaking for too long can lead to oxygen deprivation and root damage.
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2. Water:Use room temperature water.
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3. Soaking:Submerge the roots in water until fully saturated. You can use a bucket, tub, or even a large sink.
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4. Care:Keep the roots moist during the soaking process and avoid letting them dry out.
How do you plant asparagus bare roots?
To plant, dig a trench around five inches deep. Gently spread out your roots in the bottom of your trench. Your roots should be planted eighteen inches apart. Cover up all but the very top of the crown stem. As it warms up and your asparagus starts to grow, add more soil around the stem.