SoCal Home Gardening

Asparagus

Perennial, takes a few years to establish.

Information on Growing Asparagus

Growing asparagus in a home garden can be a rewarding experience. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that requires some initial effort to establish but will provide delicious and nutritious harvest for many years if properly taken care of. Here is a detailed guide on how to grow asparagus in your garden:

1. Site selection: Asparagus prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. Choose an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be loamy or sandy with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

2. Soil preparation: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Asparagus prefers loose soil, so work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's fertility and drainage. Avoid using fresh manure as it may burn the roots.

3. Plant selection: Asparagus can be grown from seeds, but it is recommended to start with one-year-old crowns (root systems) for faster results. These can be purchased from nurseries or online. Choose disease-resistant varieties such as 'Jersey Giant,' 'Mary Washington,' or 'Martha Washington.'

4. Planting: Early spring is the best time to plant asparagus crowns as soon as the soil can be worked. Dig a trench around 12-18 inches deep and 6-8 inches wide. Space the crowns 12-18 inches apart in the trench and cover them with 2-3 inches of soil. As the shoots grow, gradually fill the trench with soil until it is level with the ground.

5. Watering: Asparagus needs consistent moisture for optimal growth. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency of watering.

6. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a cool soil temperature.

7. Fertilizing: Asparagus is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. In early spring, before shoots emerge, apply a balanced organic fertilizer or well-decomposed compost around the plants. Repeat this application every year in early spring for optimal growth.

8. Weed control: Keep the asparagus bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Be cautious when weeding to avoid damaging the shallow roots.

9. Pest and disease management: Asparagus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but some common problems include asparagus beetles, slugs, and fungal diseases like rust. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate action if any pest or disease is detected, such as handpicking beetles or using organic insecticides as necessary.

10. Harvesting: You can start harvesting asparagus spears when the plants are around 2 years old. Allow the spears to grow until they are around 6-8 inches tall before cutting them just above the ground. Only harvest for a few weeks in the first year to allow the plants to establish, and gradually increase the harvest period in subsequent years. Stop harvesting when the spears become thin and spindly.

By following these steps and providing the necessary maintenance, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of asparagus from your home garden for up to 15-20 years. Remember to be patient, as asparagus takes some time to establish, but once it does, you'll be rewarded with delicious spears year after year.

Asparagus Varieties

See All Asparagus Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.