Well, I pulled the mulch off 3 weeks ago, and only saw my 1st shoots 3-4 days ago and only on a few plants. Once they start they grow quickly. My plants are in their 3rd year so this is the 1st year I'll actually eat them. I would think you might want to fertilize soon with 10-10-10 and don't eat any this year. Next year harvest for only one or two weeks and then stop. I think the farmers markets start selling mid-May in Mpls. To the more experienced growers out there, feel free to correct any of this info If I'm wrong. Good luck being patient. Karen

Karen, thank you. That helps. Sounds like maybe I just need to wait a little. As you say, patience... Thanks also for the fertilizing advice. I knew I'm not supposed to eat them for a couple of years - argh! I'll probably have to sample just one or two spears this year anyways :) OK, patience. Thanks.

Ann

Ann, I put in 8 roots last year and they also did well. So far I have one shoot up, so I would say give it a little more time.
Linda

Thanks Linda. It's been so cold here this week I haven't even gone out to see if anything has sprouted since the weekend! Hopefully soon.

Ann

I have been too busy working on my backyard streambed to come here as much as I like to so I just noticed this thread...

I've had 2 meals from my asparagus already - half of my bed is 6 year old stock and half is 4 year old. Had another meal ruined by frost. Should be another meal this week. :^)
I LOVE asparagus!!

Steve

Steve, I am so jealous. You may be further south than I am. Anyway, this weekend I finally had one sprout. Now we'll just see if the others come up. I love asparagus also. When I was young we used to pick the wild asparagus along the drainage canals in western Colorado - not sure I'd do that anymore :)

Thanks.

Ann

Its been a warm spring like November here in Bulgaria. After i cut back the ferns of my asparagus they are shooting. My question is what to do with these shoots .Can i eat them or would it be better to leave them and wait for the spring harvest.

Many tx

Paul