Asparagus ferns will likely be tall and green and ferny, and getting in the way of everything! I corral them behind a string-line so as to let them completely finish in peace, and I’m hoping to encourage you to do the same. Let them go full cycle – there is more to this than meets the eye. As the stalks wither, the carbs return to the roots – a nourishing and important step in the process towards an abundant spring crop. Natures design is so very elegant in this way – each plant containing, within itself much of what it needs to flourish.
In a month or two, when the ferns have completely dried off, chop them down and pile them beside the bed. Take the opportunity to remove any pernicious weeds. Don’t worry so much about soft, gentle weeds – the pile of organic matter you are about to spread on top will knock them right back.
Cover with a most generous layer of mature compost, well rotten manure and/ or the gold star of asparagus food – seaweed. If you cannot get seaweed, re-mineralise by splashing seawater on it a couple of times through the season.
Don’t worry about burying the spears, not only can they easily make their way through, the pile will shrink alarmingly as it decomposes.
If you are on poorly drained or heavy soil, going up will save your crop. Asparagus enjoys moisture and is all the better for not drying out, but it hates wet feet.
Mulch of course, features. Chop up the old canes and stir them through a homemade brew. Because asparagus is a perennial, let woody/ stalky stuff make up the bulk of it. Spread this on top of your awesome pile of organic matter and let nature do the rest.