Growing and harvesting asparagus is a gardening challenge that requires patience and a little extra care to get started. One of the things that are important to asparagus care is preparing the asparagus beds for autumn and cutting the asparagus back.
When to Cut Asparagus Back
Ideally, asparagus should be cut back in the fall but it is important that you wait until all of the foliage has died back and turned brown or yellow. This will normally happen after the first frost, but it can happen without frost in areas that do not receive frost. Once all of the foliage has died, cut the asparagus down to about 2 inches (5 cm.) above the ground.
Why You Should Be Cutting Asparagus Back
It is a commonly held belief that cutting asparagus in the autumn will help to produce better quality spears the next year. This belief may or may not be true, but it could be tied to the fact that removing the old foliage helps to keep the asparagus beetle from overwintering in the bed. Cutting asparagus back also helps to reduce the chances of disease and other pests.
Other Autumn Asparagus Care
Once you have cut the asparagus back, add several inches (10 cm.) of mulch to your asparagus bed. This will help to smother the weeds in the bed and will help fertilize the bed for next year. Compost or well-rotted manure makes an excellent mulch for asparagus in autumn. The above tips for autumn asparagus care apply to asparagus beds that are newly planted or well-established.
-
Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
What Is White Asparagus – How Does White Asparagus GrowHere's a real head-scratcher. There are no varieties of white asparagus! So how does white asparagus grow? Read on to find out.
-
Potted Asparagus Plants – Can You Grow Asparagus In ContainersThe introduction of new asparagus cultivars has made the process of growing and caring for these plants easier than ever before. But can you grow asparagus in a pot? Click on the following article to learn more about container grown asparagus plants.
-
Asparagus Winter Care: Tips On Winterizing Asparagus BedsOnce established, asparagus is fairly low maintenance with the exception of keeping the area weed free and watering, but what about overwintering asparagus plants? Do asparagus need winter protection? Find out in this article.
-
What’s The Difference Between Male And Female Asparagus PlantsWe all know that some plants have male reproductive organs and some have female and some have both. How about asparagus? Are there really male or female asparagus? If so, what's the difference between male and female asparagus? Find out here.
-
Spotted Asparagus Beetle Facts: Controlling Spotted Asparagus Beetles In GardensIt can be especially devastating when an asparagus patch falls victim to pests. One very common asparagus pest is the spotted asparagus beetle. Learn some spotted asparagus beetle facts and how to prevent spotted asparagus beetles in this article.
-
What Is Asparagus Rust: Tips On Treating Rust In Asparagus PlantsAsparagus rust disease is a common but extremely destructive plant disease that has affected asparagus crops around the world. Learn more about asparagus rust control and treatment in your garden using information from this article.
-
Rotting Asparagus Plants: Treating Asparagus Crown And Root RotAsparagus crown and root rot is one of the most economically disastrous diseases of the crop worldwide. Asparagus crown rot is caused by three species of Fusarium. Learn more about controlling asparagus fusarium crown rot and root rot here.
-
Asparagus Companion Plants – What Grows Well With AsparagusAsparagus plant companions are plants that have a symbiotic relationship, one that is mutually beneficial to each. In the following article, we will discuss the benefits of companion planting with asparagus and what grows well with asparagus.
