Should I cut down my old, dead asapragus stalks to make room for the new ones?

Question

This is only my 2nd year growing them....I don't remember what I did w/ them last year - I think I just left them.

Answer 1

Yes, cut them. Besides being good garden hygiene, it gives you a little more "elbow room" when it comes time to cut the new spears. RScott

Answer 2

The dead foliage can be cut back in late fall or any time before the new growth appears. I like to leave it over winter because the dead stalks will trap leaves and act as a mulch and help protect the plants over winter.
A new asparagus bed shouldn't be harvested for the first 2 years. This will help your plants grow stronger. You can begin to harvest some of the asparagus the 3rd year.

Answer 3

At the end of the season, let them go. I cut asparagus one summer for an older couple and their bed was over 40 years old, they did the same. Try an online search for Victory Gardening, they would have lots of helpful information.

Answer 4

My asparagus is up 3". If yours is up, be very careful. You might cut the new. Next year, mow them down in the fall, after they have gone to seed and died. Don't forget to only pick 1/2, and leave the rest to seed for next year.

Answer 5

You did the exact perfect thing. Go ahead and whack them back. Mine is sprouting! Happy eating.