Common Name : Asparagus

Latin Name : Asparagus

Description : Nothing tastes better than the first spears of asparagus taken in the spring. Although asparagus grow in the wild and are planted by birds, they can be difficult for the gardener to establish. However, with proper instructions, gardeners can maintain an asparagus patch which will produce for well over a decade.

The asparagus spear which one eats is merely an early sprout which will eventually, if left to grow, become a large, ferny frond of foliage. Tender while young, asparagus shoots become woody and tough with age. The ferny foliage can be ornamental late in the season, and turns a bright yellow fall color, with red berries.

Asparagus should be planted deeply for several reasons: Deeper plants produce thicker spears, while shallower plants produce spindly spears. Deeper plants are more likely to survive a harsh winter, and are less subject to heaving from alternate freezes and thaws.

To plant asparagus, dig a trench about ten inches deep. Fan the spider-like roots out in the trench. Bury the roots, but leave the crown showing. As the crown sends up shoots throughout the first growing season, fill in soil around the plant until it is level with the surface.