Asparagus bed not producing

[frdnicholas]

My asparagus bed is almost 4 years old. Last year it produced some asparagus, but not in clumps, but single spears. I let them go to ferns, which I have done each year. I cut them back last fall, left about an inch on a diagonal cut, gave them some compost. This spring we've already had temperatures in the 70s and yet all I'm getting are a few isolated spears. What am I doing wrong, or is there something else I could be doing to encourage more growth? I'm in zone 8b Southeast Coastal Georgia.

 

[Chuck]

It sounds as if you are not feeding the asparagus enough. It is a heavy feeder and for best results apply 2 or 3 inches of rich compost after harvesting. In the early spring before the shoots start to emerge fertilize heavily with a good organic compost and again in the fall.