asparagus

[SHALOM]

I planted asparagus last year, it has come through tall & spindly, I know it takes 2 years to establish, do I just leave it or trim it back now?

[juliet704]

I assume that you planted one-year-old crowns. If that is the case, don't trim the tall shoots back this year. The "fern" (foliage) feeds the roots which will give you a crop in future years, so you need to take care of it. Keep it watered (if necessary!). Weed the bed thoroughly but shallowly, so as not to damage the asparagus roots below. Support each plant with a sturdy stake. Watch out for insect infestations, and treat immediately. If really thin "sprue" stems appear, cut them down to allow the plant to devote its energies to the main stem. Remove any "berries" that the female plants produce, to prevent inferior seedlings from appearing. When the "fern" turns yellow in the autumn, cut it down and burn it. Good luck! It's worth the wait.