Topic: asparagus

[Mrs Ava]

My 3 year old asparagus crowns were planted with lurve this year and all produced lovely stocky feathery heads.  I have left them alone, other than to keep the bed well weeded.  When should I cut back the fronds, or do I just leave them?  And should I be feeding, or can I just pile up some compost or horse poo on top of the bed?   ;D

[Kerry]

hi ej :)
cutting back fronds, from memory I read somewhere cut back in autumn/winter, when they have gone brown, helps to prevent asparagus beetle if you don't leave the fronds on. leave until they go brown to allow them to feed the crown underneath(same principle as daffs etc.?).
I planted my asparagus out this year (grown from seed), so have not had this experience yet!
don't know about feeding, will await other replies with interest :)

[allotment_chick]

Yo EJ - my reseach (still preparing the actual asparagus bed - bl**dy bindweed...) agrees with Kerry.  Let the fern die back naturally and remove in late autumn/early winter to allow the birdies access to eat the asparagus beetle larvae.

Here is another link that might help
AC
http://www.farm-garden.com/growing-vegetables/3/growing-asparagus.htm