Three years ago, I planted asparagus in our garden.  Asparagus is a centerpiece of many homesteads because it's nutritious, easy to grow, and it comes back every year.  But gardeners must abide by several rules if they want their asparagus patch to feed them year after year.

First, the asparagus can't be harvested for the first three years after planting.  This allows it to establish a strong root system underneath the soil; one that will keep producing new growth in the fourth year and beyond.

Se...