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Starting with the Right Soil for Your Asparagus Plants

Gardening Guide: Asparagus—King of the Garden

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Starting with the Right Soil for Your Asparagus Plants

By Norann Oleson

Asparagus in healthy soil

Asparagus in healthy soil

Healthy asparagus plants start with great soil in which to grow them. Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter, such as well-aged compost or manure, a few weeks before planting.

And it’s alright if you don’t make your own compost—you can buy bulk compost from most gardening supply stores. Try to find “certified compost” with the U.S. Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance (STA)—their rigorous testing process and standards will ensure you get quality compost.

If you have acidic soil, you’ll want to add lime, as asparagus grows best in sandy, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. With your compost and amendments on top of your soil, use a spade fork to turn the soil over and mix everything together.

Remember, soil health is one of the most important things to ensuring that your asparagus plants thrive and produce a high quantity of quality asparagus.

When it comes to companion planting asparagus, here are some plants that asparagus like to share space with. Be sure to give asparagus plenty of space of its own, but you can plant these nearby, and they will help deter pests:

  • Nightshades like tomatoes and eggplant
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Coriander
  • Comfrey
  • Dill
  • Marigolds
  • Nasturtiums

And here is a list of plants to keep away from your asparagus, as they can stunt growth:

  • Alliums like onions, leeks, and garlic
  • Potatoes

What type of soil do you use to grow your asparagus? Do you use compost or manure? What are your best tips for creating optimal soil for your asparagus? Please share your techniques with us.

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Tags

asparagus, basil, comfrey, companion planting, composting, dill, eggplant, garlic, parsley, potatoes, tomatoes

Comments
  • Norann O. July 28, 2022

    Hi Judy,

    Looks like you found what you needed in the Planting and Pruning Asparagus section

    Reply
  • Judy J. July 28, 2022

    I have asparagus roots to plant. What is the correct way to plant them?

    Reply

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Asparagus: King of the Garden

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Types of Asparagus Plants
  • Growing Asparagus in Open Land, in Raised Beds, or in Containers
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Asparagus Plants
  • Planting and Pruning Asparagus
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Asparagus Plants
  • Should You Fertilize Your Asparagus Plants?
  • How—and When—to Water Your Asparagus Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Asparagus Diseases
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Asparagus Plants
  • The Right Way to Weed Your Asparagus Patch
  • How to Harvest Your Asparagus
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Asparagus
  • Plant Profiles

  • Pacific Purple Asparagus (Purple asparagus)
  • Mary Washington Asparagus (Green asparagus)
  • Apollo Asparagus (Green asparagus)
  • Precoce D’Argenteuil Asparagus (White asparagus)
  • Purple Passion Asparagus (Purple asparagus)
  • Jersey Giant Asparagus (Green asparagus)
  • Recipes

  • Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
  • Healthy Cream of Asparagus Soup
  • Roasted Asparagus with Baked Sheet Pan Eggs
  • Asparagus and Goat Cheese Bruschetta
  • White Asparagus with Butter and Chives
  • Purple Asparagus Salad
  • Easy Asparagus Stuffed Chicken
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Asparagus
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Asparagus
  • Resources about Asparagus
  • Asparagus Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • 7 Perennial Vegetables You Can Plant and Harvest Forever
  • Growing and Enjoying Asparagus: 5 Do’s and Don’ts
  • 10 Tips for Growing and Harvesting Asparagus
  • The Best Type of Asparagus to Grow: Green, Purple, or White?

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