How do I grow Asparagus in Haliburton County?

Asparagus needs a sunny spot and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 – 6.7 which is common in the county. They are a medium heavy feeder liking high phosphorus and potassium fertilizers when planted and high nitrogen fertilizers in late winter or very early spring. They also like a top dressing of compost annually so adding composted manure. The asparagus should be allowed to grow into a bush after 5 or 6 weeks of harvest. If the asparagus is harvested too early (in the first couple of years) or too heavily too early this can lead to weak spears due to poor crown development and they may never recover.  A well prepared asparagus patch should last 15 years.