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A perennial patch of asparagus that is hardy will produce good crops for 15-20 years according to horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

The spring vegetable performs best in well-drained soils in full sun. Raised beds can be a good planting option for gardeners. The plants need at least six hours of direct sun daily. Early spring is the best time to plant asparagus, which should be in shallow trenches. The crowns should be planted eight to 10 inches deep in light, sandy soils, or six to eight inches in heavier soils. The crowns should be 12-18 inches apart and rows should be four to five feet apart.

Do not harvest asparagus for the first two years after planting, in the third and following years it can be harvested until early to mid-June in Iowa.