Asparagus is one of the first vegetables to emerge in spring, offering a rewarding harvest for gardeners eager to enjoy its fresh flavor. The difference in taste between freshly picked asparagus and store-bought varieties is significant, making it worth the wait and effort.
Before you start harvesting, it’s essential to understand the proper methods and timing for picking this perennial plant. Taking these factors into account will help ensure that your asparagus remains healthy and productive for seasons to come.
Timing for Asparagus Harvesting
When you plant asparagus, patience is key. In the first year, refrain from harvesting to allow the roots to establish properly. In the second year, you can start enjoying your crop. During this spring, it’s acceptable to cut a few spears over a month.
From the third year onward, you can extend your harvest period to six weeks each spring. This method ensures your plants remain healthy while you enjoy fresh asparagus. Remember, proper timing is crucial for a sustainable and productive asparagus garden.
Methods for Asparagus Harvesting
1. Picking by Hand
The quickest way to gather asparagus is by hand. Grasp each stalk close to the ground and snap it off where it feels tender. Although this technique may shorten the shelf life of your asparagus, it minimizes potential damage to surrounding spears compared to using a knife.
2. Cutting with a Knife
To maintain the freshness of your asparagus for a longer time, use a sharp knife for harvesting. Position the knife beside the spear, angling the blade at 45 degrees about 2 inches beneath the soil’s surface. This technique allows you to cut at the woody base, which is less susceptible to losing moisture. Exercise caution to avoid injuring neighboring spears that are still in the growth stage, as damage can hinder their development.
When to Harvest Asparagus
1. Wait for asparagus spears to grow to the appropriate height
After noticing tender spears breaking through the soil in early spring, begin harvesting when they reach approximately 6 inches in height.
2. Only harvest asparagus during the designated season
From late May to early June, you can collect asparagus every two days. Warmer temperatures lead to more spears emerging, while colder weather may slow their growth.
3. Monitor your plants to decide how long to harvest
Stop harvesting when the spears are thinner than a pencil, or if you see the tips starting to expand on spears under 6 inches. Excessive picking can deplete the sugar reserves in the plant’s crowns, negatively impacting its health.
