Asparagus companion planting

Growing asparagus is a wonderful addition to your patch. This lovely perennial is planted in the winter while the crowns are still dormant and will provide multiple harvests over many years. 

They do, however, require some patience as harvests won’t occur sometimes for up to three years from the initial planting.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to bolster your asparagus garden with companion plants that support its growth.

• Coriander, dill, basil, and parsley are all shallow rooted plants that won’t disrupt growth and appreciate the shade that asparagus plants provide. You can plant them in rows at the end of your asparagus bed to attract beneficial insects.
• Several species of flower make good companions such as marigolds or nasturtiums that support asparagus through pest deterrence, repelling whiteflies, aphids, and nematodes.
• Comfrey will not only attract pollinators but enrich the soil of your asparagus garden.
• Strawberry plants are a great ground cover and weed suppressor provided the asparagus plants are planted deep enough to not cause root competition.
• Spinach, lettuce, or beets are great to grow near asparagus because they don’t take up too much space in the bed, and they don’t subsist in soil for long.

Since asparagus roots grow deep and take a long time to develop, plant them in proximity to shallow-rooted plants.

As you’re getting ready for the growing season, plan out your vegetable garden bed and include flowers, herbs along the edges with asparagus planted inside these borders.