To learn more about asparagus preparation and asparagus cooking, see the information below. Asparagus spears will be ready for harvest shortly after the soil temperature reaches 50°F in early spring—that’s when spears will begin to emerge. When the timer rings, quickly remove the strainer from the kettle, then plunge the asparagus in the ice water. Transplanting asparagus should be done when the crown is dormant. Learn more here. When establishing a new strawberry bed, can I move plants from an existing bed or should I purchase plants from a garden center? discussion from the Chowhound Gardening food community. Once you can get under the root system, gently pull up until the plant is free. It doesn’t quite feel like spring is officially here until asparagus has been spotted, does it? Fresh asparagus will have a firm feel, a dark green tip, and moist and plump ends. Pruning is an important part of proper edible plant care, and in the case of asparagus, it’s particularly easy to do. Well, as far as I know, digging is the only solution. The fern can become established in your garden and may turn invasive if not managed properly. Use a garden shovel to feel around each asparagus plant for roots. Whatever cooking method or asparagus recipe you use, you are sure to enjoy the garden fresh flavor of asparagus. If you decide to replace your female asparagus plants with male plants, it's best to do some planning the season before you make the change. It is grown for its small berries and bushy fronds. Despite the similar coloration, asparagus beetle on plants spells trouble. Removing Female Plants. The sudden appearance of colorful orange and black beetles in your garden may feel like a good omen but don't be fooled. Despite the similar coloration, asparagus beetle on plants spells trouble. Look for asparagus that are plump and straight. Finish by laying a towel out on your table and drying the asparagus in a single layer. If you want to clean asparagus, remove the rubber band from the bunch and hold the asparagus under running water. Keeping the asparagus patch productive will require a few simple tasks each season. Make sure the bed is in a location that can be permanent and is separate from other garden areas that will be tilled. Peeling the asparagus stalk and trimming off the end of each stalk of your asparagus will go a long way in removing the woody asparagus texture. Well, as far as I know, digging is the only solution. Despite the similar coloration, asparagus beetle on plants spells trouble. I would like to establish some perennial beds in my yard, but I don't have a great deal of time for maintenance chores. Maybe you could hire some kids from the neighborhood that you trust to do the job right. According to most historical accounts and online sources, the wild ancestor of asparagus was foraged and enjoyed principally by the ancient Greeks, and later the Romans around 200 B.C.E.. Beginning around that time, it was bred from a feral plant into the widespread, globally popular cultivated culinary victual that it is today. The asparagus fern is a type of South African perennial that is common throughout North America as both a container plant and a ground cover. discussion from the Chowhound Gardening food community. Of course, if you grow asparagus in your garden, this is not a problem you’ll encounter. Allow the asparagus to cool rapidly, adding extra ice if necessary. We saw several bunches for sale this past week and are looking forward to eating as much asparagus as we can until its brief season is over.