Asparagus is one of the first vegetables ready to harvest in the spring and also one of the few perennial vegetables grown in the garden. Use this guide on how to properly weed, harvest, and care for your asparagus to ensure your patch remains healthy. How To Harvest Asparagus? This usually means the spears will be at least 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters) thick. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), one of the most delectable treats available for spring harvest, develops bright red berries in fall. Pick spears for only two weeks the third year (which is the first harvest); let plants continue to establish themselves; over-harvesting can weaken plants and cause future harvests to be small. The fourth year after planting, extend the harvest to 4 weeks. If you plant 2-year-old crowns, you can start harvesting the second year. Harvest asparagus spears around every 3 days during early spring and increase the frequency to twice per day during summer to keep up with production. Since it will be in the same spot for years, you really need to find a spot where it will have all the growing conditions it demands. You may need to harvest every 1 to 3 days when asparagus is in season. Asparagus Harvesting & Packing. Harvest asparagus when the spears are 6 to 10 inches tall, with a diameter of at least 0.5 inches. Since asparagus spears grow at random, an entire field is not ready for harvest at one time. After the second year, you can harvest around 6 weeks. You should harvest asparagus spears when they are 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 centimeters) tall.

Begin the asparagus harvest when plants are three years old and fully developed.

Only harvest 3 to 4 weeks, then let the fern grow to strengthen the plants. Asparagus is considered a cool weather crop and will be one of the first vegetables ready for harvest, even before your lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. Asparagus Harvesting.

To take a glimpse into the world of asparagus harvest and packing, see the detailed video below. Cut the spears from the plant using a sharp knife, or simply snap the spears off at ground level using your hands. Pick asparagus every other day in the spring: if you wait longer, it will go to fern and you’ll miss out. Harvesting Asparagus.