Keep the plant s root system reasonably moist the first summer for good root development. If spear production is strong during the spring of the second season, plants can be lightly harvested by snapping off or cutting spears near ground level. Harvest when the spears are 6 to 8 inches long with tight buds. Fertilize and allow ferns to develop so that carbohydrates can be restored in the roots. Immediately refrigerate harvested spears.
Full harvesting can begin during the third growing season.
Harvesting will generally last from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the length of the growing season and the maturity of the plants. Varieties 'Mary Washington' and 'Martha Washington' have been the varieties of choice for the backyard garden. As no seed are produced, unwanted seedling asparagus plants will not become a weed problem. Crowns can be purchased from most local nurseries or mail order seed catalogs. For Fusarium wilt and rust, plant resistant or tolerant varieties.