Dig a trench 8 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the outspread roots (about 10 inches), then space the asparagus 18 inches apart. Leave four feet between rows. Cover the roots with two inches of soil, and continue to fill in the trench as shoots grow. Be sure never to bury the green shoots completely. The trench can usually be filled by the end of the first growing season, but if not, simply continue to work on it the second year.

Don't cut any spears until the third year after planting. (Note: 2-years roots will produce a crop after just one year.) It's important for asparagus to develop a large, healthy root system the first few years. Begin by cutting for only a few weeks in May and early June. Then gradually increase harvest time to six weeks.

Cut spears when they grow about 6 to 8 inches tall; their tips should still be tight. Take only thicker spears; spindly ones should be left alone. Snap asparagus off at the soil line, or use a sharp knife to slice through the spear at an angle an inch or two below the soil surface. Be careful not to damage spears not yet emerged from the soil.

All spears that come up after July 1st must be allowed to mature into ferny growth. It is the tall, green ferns that gather energy during summer to be stored in the roots, ready to ensure another good crop the following spring. Allow the ferns to remain over the winter to catch and hold snow, protecting the below ground portions of the plants. Remove the debris early enough in spring so it isn't in your way when it's time to start cutting asparagus once more, in May.

Each spring before spears appear, work a balanced garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 12-12- 12 into the soil at the rate of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden. You can also add some well-rotted manure or compost.

Source: (Deborah L. Brown, Extension Horticulturist, University of Minnesota, Extension Service.)

It is best to grow in areas that have not been previously planted with tomatoes or other vegetables for at least 3 years. Prepare the soil with organic compost or garden fertilizer a month in advance. For ground planting, raise the bed about 5" - 6" high and rows 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart, center to center. Space the plants 8" - 14" apart in a single row. Plant so that the upper part of the crown (the area between the roots and the leaf stems) is slightly above or level with the ground—never below grade. (Optional, you can cover the soil, in the raised row, with a weed block material, preferable with drip underneath. Cut an "X" into the material to plant through.)

Plant either in the late summer to early autumn. Strawberry plants can be planted in the spring, provided that all blossoms are removed the first summer. The earlier plants can go out, the bigger and stronger plants they will make their first year so, if you can obtain plants early, plant in July, August, or even September, but October is late.

Prune off all runners that develop the first season so all the energy is focused into fruit production.

Adequate soil preparation is essential, make sure that you use well-rotten organic compost or a good garden fertilizer about a month before planting. Plant crowns about 3.5 - 4.0 inches below the surface with the crown bud about 2 inches below the soil surface. Space the crowns about 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Soil should be slightly acidic - pH 6.0 - 6.8.

Do not harvest the first year, in order for the plant to channel its energy and nutrients back to the roots to ensure a strong root system. Harvest 3 - 4 stems of each plant at a time, leaving some stems remaining to generate growth reserves.

After the first frost of the season, usually late fall, remove any remaining stalks and add to your compost heap.

One of the easier vegetable roots to grow, plant horseradish where it is safe from annual garden tilling, since it is a root and should not be disturbed. Grow in full or partial sun, horseradish plants will grow faster in full sun. Soil preparation is always important, whether you use a garden fertilizer or organic composted materials, a good rich soil is best. The soil's pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0.

Dig a hole approximately 1 foot deep. Make sure the soil is loose. Place the root on a 45 degree angle in the hole, about 6 inches deep for the small end and the top of the root just beneath the surface. Finish filling the hole and mound the fill dirt a bit because the dirt will settle upon watering. Harvest in fall, after the leaves have seen a frost for a full pungent flavor. Plants that are 1 year old have the most flavor. Dig up and replant each season.