Simple winter maintenance for Asparagus

We have shown you how to plant asparagus, and after 5 years, how to divide asparagus, but for most years, maintenance and getting them ready for sleep in late Autumn is all you need to do, and it is very simple.

>> Fronds turn golden brown in late Autumn <<

The summer fronds that you have left to grow out to restore strength and energy to the crowns are now dying back, turning yellow and then brown.

asparagus turns golden brown in winter — Fronds have returned energy to the crown, and are dying down ready for winter.

>> Cut to ground <<

When they have a few fronds per plant that have turned yellow, cut all the foliage of that plant off at ground level. Please don’t be tempted to cut green fronds until at least one of the stems has turned, as it will starve the crown and affect plant strength. Remove other weeds or competition like volunteer plants and generally clean up the bed.

>> Feed ready for winter sleep <<

Time to feed by spreading Blood and Bone over the bed (about a trowel full sprinkled around each plant) or compost or manure if you have it (about a shovelful around each plant) . With winter rain, this will give your asparagus extra va-va-voom to punch out lots of tasty shoots in Spring.

Blood and Bone to feed asparagus — Blood and Bone sprinkled over the bed.

>> Straw blanket and kiss goodnight <<

Time to blanket the bed with 5-10cm overage of straw to keep the feed in, the crowns well covered and protected from the elements, and weeds out – I chose pea straw but any type is fine – Sugarcane mulch is a popular choice, or local hay.