If you’re a Maryland gardener, knowing when to plant asparagus is the first step to a successful perennial bed. This guide covers the optimal timing for planting, along with all the tips you need for a great harvest.
Asparagus is a long-term investment, often producing for 15 years or more. Getting the timing right in our Maryland climate ensures your crowns get the best possible start. Let’s get your bed ready.
When To Plant Asparagus In Maryland
The absolute best time to plant asparagus in Maryland is in early spring. You want to get your crowns in the ground as soon as the soil is workable, typically from late March through mid-April.
Planting at this time allows the crowns to establish their root systems before the summer heat arrives. It also aligns with their natural growth cycle. Avoid planting to late, as hot weather can stress the young plants.
Why Spring Planting is Essential
Asparagus crowns are dormant when you plant them. Cool, moist spring soil wakes them up gently. This gives them a full season to grow strong ferns, which recharge the roots for next year’s spears.
Fall planting is generally not recommended in Maryland. Our winters can be unpredictable, and newly planted crowns may not have enough time to establish before the ground freezes. Sticking with spring is your safest bet.
Signs Your Soil is Ready
How do you know if your soil is workable? It’s simple. Grab a handful and squeeze it. If it holds together in a ball but crumbles easily when you poke it, it’s perfect. If it’s a soggy, muddy mess, wait a week and test again.
Working soil that’s to wet can damage its structure. This creates compacted clumps that roots struggle to penetrate. Patience here makes a big difference later on.
Choosing Between Crowns and Seeds
Most Maryland gardeners use 1-year-old crowns. They give you a head start, allowing for a light harvest one year sooner than seeds. You can find them at local nurseries in early spring.
Starting from seed is possible but requires an extra year of waiting. If you choose seeds, start them indoors about 12-14 weeks before your planned spring transplant date. This is a great option for growing unique varieties.
Recommended Varieties for Maryland
- Jersey Series (Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme, Jersey Giant): These all-male hybrids are prolific and well-suited to Maryland’s climate. They produce larger yields because they don’t waste energy on seeds.
- Purple Passion: Offers beautiful, sweet purple spears. It’s a bit less productive than the Jersey types but is a wonderful addition for flavor and color.
- Mary Washington: A reliable, heirloom variety that is very disease-resistant. It’s a classic choice that has proven itself in gardens for decades.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Site Selection: Choose a spot with full sun (at least 8 hours). Asparagus needs excellent drainage, so avoid low areas where water pools.
- Soil Preparation: This is the most important step. Asparagus loves rich, loose soil. Dig a trench 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Mix the removed soil with several inches of compost and well-rotted manure.
- Planting the Crowns: Create a 6-inch high mound of your amended soil down the center of the trench. Drape the crown’s roots over the mound, spacing crowns 12-18 inches apart. Rows should be 3-4 feet apart.
- Covering: Cover the crowns with just 2-3 inches of your soil mix. As the ferns grow through the season, gradually fill in the trench with the remaining soil until it’s level.
- Watering: Water deeply after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) during the first growing season.
First Year Care: The Patience Phase
Resist the urge to harvest any spears in the first year. Let all the spears grow into tall, feathery ferns. These ferns are the engine room, capturing sunlight to build a strong crown underground.
Weed diligently, as asparagus doesn’t compete well. A thick layer of mulch helps suppress weeds and retain moisture. In the fall, after the ferns have turned yellow and died back, you can cut them down to the ground.
The Harvest Timeline
- Year 1: No harvest. Focus on plant growth.
- Year 2: You can harvest lightly for 2-3 weeks in spring. Stop when spears become thinner than a pencil.
- Year 3 and Beyond: Enjoy a full harvest season of 6-8 weeks. Always stop by mid-June to allow ferns to develop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is planting to shallow. Deep planting protects the crowns and leads to better spear production. Another error is harvesting to heavily to soon, which weakens the plant for future years.
Also, don’t skip on soil prep. Asparagus will be in the same spot for decades, so investing time here pays off enormiously. Finally, avoid using salt to control weeds, an old practice that can damage your soil health.
Seasonal Care Calendar for Maryland
Spring
Apply a balanced fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost in early spring before spears emerge. Begin harvesting in established beds (Year 3+).
Summer
After harvest ends, let the ferns grow. Water during dry spells. Keep the bed weeded and mulched.
Fall
After frost kills the ferns, cut them down and remove debris to deter pests and diseases. This is also a good time for a soil test to see if any amendments are needed.
Winter
The bed is dormant. A light layer of mulch can be applied after the ground freezes to prevent frost heaving, but this is often not necessary in Maryland.
FAQ: Planting Asparagus in Maryland
Can I plant asparagus in May in Maryland?
It’s possible, but less ideal. Late planting exposes young crowns to stress from heat and drought. If you must plant in May, be extra vigilant about watering.
What is the best month to plant asparagus?
April is generally the prime month across most of Maryland. In warmer coastal areas, late March might work. In cooler western regions, aim for mid-April.
How do I prepare soil for asparagus?
Deep digging and amending with plenty of organic matter is key. Aim for loose, fertile soil down to at least 12 inches. Good drainage is non-negotiable.
Can I grow asparagus from store-bought spears?
This is rarely successful. Those spears are cut from the plant and lack the necessary root crown. It’s much better to purchase dedicated asparagus crowns from a garden center.
Why are my asparagus spears so thin?
Thin spears often indicate a young plant that’s not ready for harvest, or an older plant that was harvested for to long the previous season. Ensure you’re following the proper harvest schedule and providing adequate fertilizer.
Getting your asparagus planting timing right in Maryland sets the foundation for years of delicious spring harvests. By choosing the right variety, preparing your soil deeply, and practicing patience in the first few years, you’ll be rewarded with a low-maintenance perennial vegetable that truly marks the beginning of the garden season. Remember, the effort you put in now will provide returns for many springs to come.