Asparagus woes (grow, fertilizer, Ferns, grass)

[gouligann]

Hi, five years ago I planted asparagus in a 6x10 (x 10inch) deep raised bed (on the ground, not elevated). I researched what to do with the plants. I left them to grow for the first two years. I cut a few stalks the third year, expecting as a few years went by, I'd get more.

Every year I have:
1, cut them down in the fall to 2 inches above ground
2, put fresh soil on top in the fall the last two years in a row with 4-6 inches of soil
3, then covered them with 4-6 inches of leaves in the fall to protect the roots during our cold winter
4, I carefully rake the leaves off in the springtime
5, I fertilize them with a vegetable fertilizer
6, I keep the bed weed and grass free

I'm SO frustrated. All I get is a few fat asparagus (6-10 total) and the rest come up pencil thin.

What am I doing wrong? Need suggestions.

[Hemlock140]

How many plants? They average about 6-8 over 4-6 weeks when mature. It's recommended that you plant 10 plants per person. We prefer the pencil sized, being much more tender but then you need more of them. They like compost tea, you might try that. Are you leaving at least 1-2 stalks every year to grow the tall ferns, which build strength for the following year?

[gouligann]

I think I need to plant more seeds. I thought they spread like a perennial, but maybe not quickly?

I'll try the compost tea.

When they grow pencil thin, I don't even cut them. I just let them grow into tall ferns. There are lots of them.

Thanks for answering.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by gouligann

I think I need to plant more seeds. I thought they spread like a perennial, but maybe not quickly?

I'll try the compost tea.

When they grow pencil thin, I don't even cut them. I just let them grow into tall ferns. There are lots of them.

Thanks for answering.

You will get more faster if you buy the bare-root plants, rather than seeds, but they are only available in early spring.

[gemstone1]

I always leave the asparagus alone after picking season is over, I do not cut down until early spring.

And yes, if you established your bed with seeds, you are in for a long wait. As mentioned, buy crowns in the spring.

Regards
Gemstone1