Nibbled Asparagus

[Susiebelle]

Hope no one minds me asking this question again - I have read the 2009 thread but just wandered if any one any more thoughts on the subject.

My Asparagus is definitely being nibbled! I can not find any evidence of slugs, they are planted in raised beds and I can see there is woodlice but can't see anything else- it's not just a few and I have quite a high number of bent ones - not sure what causes that either-

Any thoughts on the subject would be very welcome

[Susiebelle]

[Jayb]

It might be worth trying a few organic slug pellets or traps just to see.
Are mice a possibility?
If you are getting bent ones it sounds like they are being damaged either in the soil or when they are emerging and then growing on unevenly.

[jennym]

Although you can't see evidence of slugs, my guess is that slugs are nibbling at your asparagus. Tiny slugs often don't leave much of a trail. The bent stems are a good clue - the slug has a nibble at one side, and the stem then distorts as it grows. Sometimes rots can do this, but if the stem is good and firm, it's probably slugs. A dry mulch will help deter them, with a few organic slug pellets if you want. I haven't noticed woodlice attacking asparagus here.
Problem I've had this year is ground frost knocking out quite a few spears, this weather is hard to deal with.

[Susiebelle]

Thanks for responses - those dastardly slugs are obviously at it again  :(