Fertilizer for Asparagus

[kudu63]

I have a fairly new asparagus patch that is 2-3 years old now and I was reading that you should apply about 3-5lbs of fertilizer per 120sq feet. But it didn't say what type - does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.

[zent]

I use 10-10-10, after the ground thaws I till the patch up about two inches deep and then fertilize.

[art321]

Nothing better than home grown Asparagus. NOthing like the store bought or, yuck, canned. If you've got your own asparagus patch don't go with chemical fertilizers. Just throw down some cow or sheep manure. We have so much asparagus in the spring we get sick of it every night and we have to freeze it. I have about 15 plants. At 2-3 years old you might be able to harvest a few this spring. Only pick the ones that are thicker than a pencil. Better to let it go at least 3 years. Keep it mulched and weed free. Mmmmm, I'm getting hungry for some right now.

[Dotch]

This is the latest U of M guide for home raised asparagus.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1251.html

Below is the guide designed more for commercial production. It's more technical however the fertilizer recs are still relevant in that you can figure out how much you need based on a soil test. An acre is 43,560 sq. ft. If the rec calls for 400#/acre of product and your patch is 120 sq. ft., multiply 400 x 120 and divide by 43560, it would require 1.1 lb. on your 120 sq. ft. plot.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1861.html