Did you know that asparagus makes for a great diuretic, or that it contains very high levels of beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals?  Need more fiber? Chew on some asparagus.  And … If you’re looking for help with controlling your diabetes, or preventing kidney stones…you should be planting and eating more asparagus!  If you’re looking for help with controlling your diabetes, or preventing kidney stones…you should be planting and eating more asparagus!

Asparagus is actually a perennial (a plant that lives for more than two years), spring or fall, flowering plant.   It thrives in maritime habitats and can survive in soils that are too saline for weeds to grow.   Crowns of asparagus are planted in the winter and your first shoots will appear in the spring. When you first start harvesting, those small shoots are often referred to as “thinnings” or sprue.

Asparagus Seed Planting & Spacing Guide:

• Depth to Plant: 0.25 inches deep
• Spacing Between Plants: 10″-12″ apart
• Days to Germinate (Sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination Soil Temp: 75F to 85F
• Best Season to Plant: Late fall and early spring
• Sun Requirement: Full sun / partial shade
• Plant Height: 3′ – 5′ tall

Ways to Eat Asparagus

Asparagus is delicious when eaten alone. You can boil, steam, grill, roast or saute’ the stems. Don’t be afraid to incorporate asparagus into your other favorite foods such as soups, risotto’s, lasagna’s, quiche and more. Do you like to can your own homegrown vegetables? You can never have to many jars of pickled asparagus!