Asparagus

Buy asparagus seeds. If growing asparagus from seed, you must wait 3 years before harvesting the plant. Choose a seed product that states on the package that it has a high germination rate. You may also want to purchase seeds have been treated to help prevent asparagus root rot. If the seeds have not been treated, talk to your seed supplier about home treatment with bleach soaking before planting. Plant asparagus seeds, either indoors or directly in the ground. Asparagus seeds have a long germination period and a low germination rate. Plant more seeds than you want plants to make sure you get enough healthy seedlings for spring planting. You can start asparagus seeds in small pots or flats 2 to 3 months before transplanting them into the garden. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch (1 cm) of soil to ensure that the long root does not push the seedling out of the ground. Alternatively, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden after all signs of frost have passed. Sow the seeds close together. Later, you can thin the plants or move seedlings to allow each plant 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) of space.