When to Plant Asparagus in Seattle: A Guide for Gardeners

Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s also a relatively easy crop to grow, but it’s important to plant it at the right time. In Seattle, the best time to plant asparagus is in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the summer heat arrives.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about planting asparagus in Seattle, including:

• The best time to plant asparagus
• How to prepare the soil
• How to plant asparagus seeds or crowns
• How to care for your asparagus plants
• How to harvest your asparagus

By following these tips, you’ll be able to grow delicious asparagus at home in no time!

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Month	Day	Soil Temperature
March	15	45F
April	1	50F
May	15	55F

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When to Plant Asparagus in Seattle

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. The best time to plant asparagus in Seattle is in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Climate and Growing Zones

Seattle’s climate is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The average winter temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average summer temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Asparagus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it does best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Soil

Asparagus grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Planting

Asparagus can be grown from seed or from crowns. Crowns are the best option for gardeners in Seattle, as they are more likely to produce a harvest in the first year.

To plant asparagus crowns, dig a trench about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Place the crowns 12 inches apart in the trench, and cover them with soil. Water the plants well.

Asparagus plants will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. They will also need to be fertilized in the spring and fall.

Harvesting

Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 inches long. To harvest the spears, snap them off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the crown, as this will reduce the plant’s production in future years.

Asparagus plants will produce spears for several weeks. Once the spears stop producing, you can cut the ferns back to the ground. The ferns will help to protect the crown from the cold winter weather.

Pests and Diseases

Asparagus is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including asparagus beetles, asparagus rust, and asparagus crown rot. To protect your plants from pests and diseases, you can:

• Plant resistant varieties of asparagus.
• Water your plants regularly to help prevent diseases.
• Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases.
• Treat your plants with pesticides and fungicides as needed.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh asparagus spears from your garden for many years to come.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. The best time to plant asparagus in Seattle is in early spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Asparagus grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Asparagus can be grown from seed or from crowns. Crowns are the best option for gardeners in Seattle, as they are more likely to produce a harvest in the first year.

To plant asparagus crowns, dig a trench about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Place the crowns 12 inches apart in the trench, and cover them with soil. Water the plants well.

Asparagus plants will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. They will also need to be fertilized in the spring and fall.

Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 inches long. To harvest the spears, snap them off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the crown, as this will reduce the plant’s production in future years.

Asparagus plants will produce spears for several weeks. Once the spears stop producing, you can cut the ferns back to the ground. The ferns will help to protect the crown from the cold winter weather.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh asparagus spears from your garden for many years to come.

When To Plant Asparagus In Seattle?

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can be grown in Seattle. It is best to plant asparagus in the spring, after the last frost date. The ideal planting time is between March and April.

How To Plant Asparagus In Seattle?

To plant asparagus, you will need to:

1. Prepare the soil. Asparagus grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand.
2. Dig a trench. The trench should be 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
3. Plant the asparagus crowns. Asparagus crowns are the young plants that you will be planting. They are usually sold in bundles. Space the crowns 12 inches apart in the trench.
4. Cover the crowns with soil. Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil.
5. Water the plants. Water the plants well after planting.

How To Care For Asparagus In Seattle?

Asparagus is a relatively low-maintenance crop. Once the plants are established, they will require little care.

Watering

Asparagus needs to be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Water the plants deeply once a week.

Fertilizing

Asparagus should be fertilized in the spring, before the spears emerge. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Pests and Diseases

Asparagus is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, asparagus beetles, asparagus rust, and fusarium wilt.

Harvesting Asparagus

Asparagus spears can be harvested for 6-8 weeks in the spring. To harvest the spears, snap them off at the base of the plant. Do not harvest more than one-third of the spears at a time.

Storing Asparagus

Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To store asparagus, wrap the spears in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus from your own garden.

When is the best time to plant asparagus in Seattle?

Asparagus is a cool-season crop that is best planted in early spring, after the last frost date. In Seattle, the last frost date is typically around mid-April. However, you can also plant asparagus in late summer or early fall, as long as the soil is still warm.

How deep should I plant asparagus crowns?

Asparagus crowns should be planted about 2 inches deep. If you plant them too deep, they will not be able to grow properly. If you plant them too shallow, they will be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

How much space do asparagus plants need?

Asparagus plants need about 2 feet of space between each plant. This will allow them to grow and spread out properly.

**How much water do asparagus plants need?

Asparagus plants need about 1 inch of water per week. However, they should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot.

When should I harvest asparagus?

Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 inches long and the tips are still tightly closed. You should harvest asparagus spears every few days, starting about 6 weeks after planting.

**How do I protect asparagus plants from pests and diseases?

Asparagus plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including asparagus beetles, aphids, and rust. You can protect your asparagus plants from pests and diseases by:

• Growing asparagus in a well-drained location.
• Rotating crops.
• Applying mulch to the soil.
• Using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
• Treating plants with fungicide to control diseases.

How long does it take for asparagus to mature?

Asparagus plants will start producing spears in the second year after planting. However, they will not reach full maturity until the third year.

How long do asparagus plants live?

Asparagus plants can live for up to 20 years. However, they will produce fewer spears each year after the fifth year.

How do I store asparagus?

Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store asparagus, cut off the bottom 1 inch of the stem and place the spears in a glass of water. Cover the glass with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

When to plant asparagus in Seattle depends on the variety you choose. For early-season asparagus, you can start planting in late February or early March. For mid-season asparagus, you can start planting in mid-March to early April. And for late-season asparagus, you can start planting in late April to early May.

Once you’ve chosen a variety and a planting time, you can prepare your soil by tilling it to a depth of 12 inches and adding compost or well-rotted manure. Then, make 1-foot-wide trenches 12 inches apart and 6 inches deep. In each trench, place a 3-foot-long piece of 1-inch-diameter PVC pipe, with the open end facing up. This will help to keep the asparagus crowns from rotting.

Fill the trenches with 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure, then cover it with 3 inches of soil. Space the asparagus crowns 12 inches apart in the trench. Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil, then water well.

As the asparagus grows, add more soil to the trench until the crowns are covered to a depth of 6 inches. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Asparagus is a perennial plant, so it will produce spears for many years. To keep your asparagus healthy, fertilize it in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. In late summer, cut the asparagus back to the ground.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Seattle. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus from your own garden for many years to come.