NEW! "Growing Asparagus in Minnesota" guidebook
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu
 |
| A new asparagus spear emerges in spring. Photo: Annie Klodd |
We are excited to announce the release of a new production guide, Growing Asparagus in Minnesota.
This publication is the culmination of a 2-year collaboration between University of Minnesota and the Sustainable Farming Association. The guide describes asparagus production from a sustainability lens and almost all recommendations in the guide are applicable to organic farms.
This 24-page, photo-rich guide describes details of how to plant, harvest, and manage an asparagus crop in our cold Minnesota climate. The information in the guide is informed by sound research as well as experiences of Minnesota growers like Paul Schmidt, Noreen Thomas, and Terry Nennich.
In this guide, you will find information on:
- Preparing a field for planting
- Planting asparagus from crowns
- Variety options for USDA hardiness zones 3 and 4
- Nutrient management recommendations for organic and conventional farms, including manure management guidance
- Going no-till
- Post-harvest and storage
- Managing ferns after harvest season
- Preparing asparagus beds for winter
- Insect, disease, and weed management
- And more
Primary author: Annie Klodd, Extension Educator - Fruit and Vegetable Production
Contributing authors and reviewers: Natalie Hoidal, Carl Rosen, Jeff Hahn, Bill Hutchison, Terry Nennich, Vince Fritz, Cindy Tong, Chryseis Modderman, Theresa Keaveny, Noreen Thomas and Paul Schmidt
Design and layout: Jason Walker, Sustainable Farming Association
Funding: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant program
Click here to download a PDF copy of Growing Asparagus in Minnesota.
