Preparing Asparagus for Winter - Ask Extension
How and when do I prepare newly established asparagus bed for winter?
Knowledgebase
Preparing Asparagus for Winter #888085
Asked October 16, 2024, 3:02 PM EDT
How and when do I prepare newly established asparagus bed for winter?
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Lawrence,
You indicated that the asparagus is already established, so I'm assuming you planted the crowns in the spring. If this is correct, then the following information from Kansas State Extension is what you're asking about.
After harvest, asparagus foliage should be left until all the green is gone. Tops should not be removed from asparagus plants the first two seasons until after a killing freeze. The tops are essential in producing and transferring food to the roots for a vigorous crop the next spring. Some gardeners like to remove old tops at the end of the season to clean up the garden area, while others prefer to leave the tops for a winter wind or snow barrier.
https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/Fall%20Care%20for%20Asparagus.pdf
It's not recommended you use a heavy mulch like wood chips because the tender asparagus shoots in the spring may be damaged when trying to push through the mulch. You could use a very light layer of grass clipping if you choose to mulch.
If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to get a soil test done. Asparagus has specific pH and fertilizer requirements. https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started
I'm also including a great article from the University of Minnesota that gives a lot of valuable information about growing asparagus. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-asparagus
I hope I have addressed your question, but please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have further questions or need more information.
Happy Fall!
You indicated that the asparagus is already established, so I'm assuming you planted the crowns in the spring. If this is correct, then the following information from Kansas State Extension is what you're asking about.
After harvest, asparagus foliage should be left until all the green is gone. Tops should not be removed from asparagus plants the first two seasons until after a killing freeze. The tops are essential in producing and transferring food to the roots for a vigorous crop the next spring. Some gardeners like to remove old tops at the end of the season to clean up the garden area, while others prefer to leave the tops for a winter wind or snow barrier.
https://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/Fall%20Care%20for%20Asparagus.pdf
It's not recommended you use a heavy mulch like wood chips because the tender asparagus shoots in the spring may be damaged when trying to push through the mulch. You could use a very light layer of grass clipping if you choose to mulch.
If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to get a soil test done. Asparagus has specific pH and fertilizer requirements. https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started
I'm also including a great article from the University of Minnesota that gives a lot of valuable information about growing asparagus. https://extension.umn.edu/vegetables/growing-asparagus
I hope I have addressed your question, but please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have further questions or need more information.
Happy Fall!
