They'll vary from year to year but it's important to let the last spears grow up and go to seed. At least that's how my Dad kept our beds going.

They seem to be very sensitive to weeds, even though they are the tallest thing around. They go down hill fast if you allow weeds or grass to fill in around them. Most farmers will tell you not to harvest more than a third of the spears from one clump so that the plant can recover over the summer and produce enough again the next spring.

The rule of thumb I've heard is not to harvest after June 1. This gives the plant time to recover over the summer. Also, don't harvest spears smaller in size than your pinkie finger.

This is third year for my bed. I didn't get as much production as I expected this year, so am planning the following from my "Gardening in the South, Vegetables and Fruits". It says: Do not cut asparagus the first season no matter what form you planted. Keep the plants cleanly cultivated and well watered to maximize the growth. After the fronds have died down in the fall, remove them and cover the bed with manure or compost.

The second season can be the first harvest from crown plantings, but if you over do the cutting, you will weaken the plants. You may cut over a period of about 6 weeks (about half the spears). After that, leave the other half of the spears to develop into fern fronds. In subsequent years, you can harvest spears until the first seed balls appear. Then stop harvesting to allow the plants to build back their strength.

Do not cut back plants grown from seed until the third season.

The secret of good asparagus production is plenty of moisture and rich, well-fertilized soil. Asparagus grown in dry conditions will be weak, small, and tough. Growing asparagus in raised beds allows for furrow irrigation. When the weather is very dry, merely fill the furrow between the rows with water and allow it to soak slowly into the beds. Fertilizing with a high nitrogen fertilizer will push the growth of the spears and make them larger. Apply a 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring and about every two months during the growing season. If the growth is not as rapid as you want, you may side-dress with ammonium nitrate between the 10-10-10 applications. (the recommnded amount if 5 lbs/100 sq ft from another source)

HTH

Pam

Great info,Pam. I've put this thread into my favorites file.(loooovvvve fresh (minutes from picking) asparagus)