I planted asparagus crowns this year for the first time. My favorite moment was when I was worried about placement and read that they usually grow in swampy areas. Well, friend, welcome home!

I did also read that they do not like competition for nutrients and they don’t like to be close to alliums (onion family).

I planted them a week ago and their first shoots are already coming up! As tempting as it is, I don’t plan to harvest these shoots. The first few years are a time for establishment, so like many things in life, we need to let them build their nutrients and grow before we enjoy the harvest.

If I would have thought this through I would have marked them a lot more prominently, as these markers are easily smooshed. I am pretty sure I’ve walked over them at least once, but I’m putting stakes out today.

Other things to note are that the shoots are frost sensitive, but the crowns are much tougher. I will add more to this post as I learn about my new friends.