How often should asparagus be watered?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Watering asparagus properly enables it to grow and produce the most. The timing of watering plants is dependent on the soil type, plant size and age, and climate conditions. Deep root zone watering, is better than watering regularly with little amounts of water. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering than clay soil. Newly planted asparagus must be watered differently from established asparagus beds.
New Crowns (0-3 months)
- Water immediately after planting with 1 inch of water
- Check soil moisture daily for first two weeks
- Water every 3 days if no rainfall occurs
- Maintain consistent moisture in root zone
Establishing Plants (4-12 months)
- Provide 1-2 inches weekly during growing season
- Water twice weekly in sandy soils
- Water once weekly in clay soils
- Adjust for heat waves with extra watering
Mature Beds (Year 2+)
- Water deeply once weekly during harvest season
- Reduce to every 10 days during fern growth
- Suspend watering during dormancy except in drought
- Use drip irrigation for efficient delivery
Seasonal modifications help to avoid overwatering. You want to increase watering frequency during the summer heat. You want to decrease watering frequency in cool spring weather. You will stop watering after the first frost, unless it is an extended drought. You can resume watering when the spears begin to emerge. These variances correspond with the plant's dormancy cycle.
Be on the lookout for signs of drought stress. Wilting fern tips means intervention is needed right away. Yellow leaves reflect long-term underwatering. Stunted spear growth is a sign of prolonged drought stress, and brittle ferns indicate they are dehydrated. All of these should be monitored. Please resolve these situations within 24 hours.
Steer clear of widespread watering mistakes. Crown rot and fungal diseases can result from overwatering. If you water shallow, you cultivate shallow root systems. If you water foliage, not soil, you grow mildew. Schedule irrigation for early morning. This avoids evaporation losses and disease.
Effective methods save water and increase production. Try submitting drip irrigation directly to root zones, and apply organic mulch for moisture retention. Use a simple gauge to keep track of rainfall. All of these methods will ensure ideal moisture for many decades of harvests.
Read the full article: How to Grow Asparagus from Crowns Successfully
