Question
I sprouted asparagus seeds and planted them in plastic pots. There are growing up to 6 inches and started to grow ferns on the top part. Do I need to cut the fern when they grow to a certain height. What is a good temperature to have them transferred to the garden? What kind of soil and fertilizer are best for the asparagus?

Answer
Jasper, you do want to cut the ferns. This growth causes the asparagus to expend its energy into producing seed rather that healthy spears.

You can transplant the asparagus once all danger of frost has passed. Here in the midwest, that is normally around May 15th. Be sure to transplant them into a soil comprised heavily in organic matter. These materials include compost, aged manure, and peat.

You can sidedress the asparagus with a general 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and again when they reach 6". Also, be sure to mulch the spears with straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and cool the soil.

I hope this answered your question. please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike