asparagus smaller than last year

**Chris** · 04-29-2009, 01:16 PM

One of my asparagus patches is producing really tiny spears this year, much smaller than last year. I thought they were supposed to get bigger every year. I've fertilized (again) but I fertilized in the fall.

Any advice?

**Ken** · 04-29-2009, 01:23 PM

Ours always seem to grow like crazy the day after a good rain storm. Do they need more water?

**Rick** · 04-29-2009, 01:24 PM

Mine didn't even come up last year. So I'm no help. I planted in four different locations and not one plant came up.

The only thing I can tell you is don't cut down the shrubbery.

This is from Ohio State University

"Asparagus spears will start to emerge when the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees F. After this, growth of asparagus is dependent on air temperature. Early in the season, 7 to 9 inch spears might be harvested every 2 to 4 days. As air temperatures increase, harvesting frequencies will increase to once or twice per day, harvesting 5 to 7 inch spears before the tips start to fern out and lose quality. The second year after planting, the length of harvest can increase to about 4 to 6 weeks. The third year after planting and thereafter, harvesting can continue for 6 to 8 weeks. Since the length of harvest season will vary from year-to-year depending on air temperature, stop the harvest when the diameter of 3/4 of the spears becomes small (less then 3/8 inch). Experience gained by growing the crop will make it easier for the gardener to know when to discontinue the harvest.
When harvest is finished, snap all the spears off at ground level. Apply 1/2 lb. of ammonium nitrate fertilizer per 50 feet of row . At this time, a home garden formulation of glyphosate non-selective herbicide (such as Roundup) can be sprayed on the asparagus patch. This will kill any existing weeds. New spears will then emerge, fern out, and provide a large canopy to cover the space between the rows. Once a dense fern canopy is formed, weed growth will be shaded out."

**Alpine_Sapper** · 04-29-2009, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

The only thing I can tell you is don't cut down the shrubbery.

The Knights who say Nee demand a sacrifice!
You must return here with a shrubbery or else you will
never pass through this wood alive!

**Rick** · 04-29-2009, 02:05 PM

Actually, it feeds the crowns for next year's crop.

**mountain mama** · 04-29-2009, 02:08 PM

*shakes head in disbelief* a man who doesn't know his Monty Python, whoda thunk it?

**Alpine_Sapper** · 04-29-2009, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Actually, it feeds the crowns for next year's crop.

Yeah, yeah. Bring the thread back on topic why dontcha.

I couldn't resist though. The original comment was going to be directed at Chris, on the possibility of it being to much fertilizer (burning them) or the wrong type, giving inadequate nutrition to the plants. I've had a little bit too much coffee today, obviously, and will state my lack of knowledge on asparagus emphatically. Hence, the Monty Python reference.

**Rick** · 04-29-2009, 02:12 PM

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**Chris** · 04-29-2009, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Alpine_Sapper

Yeah, yeah. Bring the thread back on topic why dontcha.

I couldn't resist though. The original comment was going to be directed at Chris, on the possibility of it being to much fertilizer (burning them) or the wrong type, giving inadequate nutrition to the plants. I've had a little bit too much coffee today, obviously, and will state my lack of knowledge on asparagus emphatically. Hence, the Monty Python reference.

I used bloodmeal that doesn't burn.

This is year 3 on the patch, and I do let them fern out after harvest to rebuild. So they should be much more vigorous than they are. One plant in particular is putting up spaghetti sized spears. That small.

**wareagle69** · 05-03-2009, 05:59 PM

haven't found any in the wid yet. i know where last years plants were but now i can't find them

**Chris** · 05-03-2009, 07:16 PM

the wild asparagus here is just barely alive, I imagine you might have another month or so where you live.

**ClayPick** · 05-04-2009, 07:58 AM

One year I grew asparagus in an unheated greenhouse and it did poorly. The problem was the ground, it was staying warm for to long in the fall. The crowns never had a long enough cold period and most of the stored energy for the new growth was getting used up. Sometimes the first spears for the year can be small anyway, it’s what they call sprue asparagus. The thing I like is that it grows forever with a bit of weeding and fertilizer.