| We have some asparagus plants that are three years old and growing like crazy. What should we do to make them more manageable? Cut them down or leave them alone? |
| Asparagus beds, once established, can be productive for many years. The fern-like growth is manufacturing energy for the crowns so they can produce asparagus spears. If you cut them off, you'll compromise the quantity of spears the plants will produce next season. It's possible that over-fertilizing the bed resulted in the vigorous top growth. It's also possible that the plants were set too closely to one another and need to be divided. Use a garden spade to dig the plants. Each crown, with attached roots, should be about the size of your fist. Space each plant about one-foot apart in trenches that are 8-10 inches deep. Spread the roots out and cover with about 2-inches of soil. Water well and wait for them to become established before harvesting any spears. |
