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Do you cover your asparagus to protect from frost after cutting back?

young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
in Fruit & veg
I have read a few articles about cutting back asparagus to within 2"  of the gound. The articles explain that it promotes stronger  plants when they start growing again in spring.

I recently cut mine back on 1st November as they were brown/yellow tops. Straw was one of the materials suggested for covering the short stems for winter protection. I have covered mine  with  autumn leaves for insulation, then an upturned wire shopping basket over each plant. It stops the leaves blowing away while allowing plenty of ventilation.

Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    No we have never covered our asparagus. We allow it them to die back naturally and each year new growths do come back. We also don't cut back the stems only what is harvested for eating.
  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    They don't need protection, the only use for a covering might be to stop weeds growing over winter.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I don't cover mine but this year they have been ravaged by asparagus beetle so I will cut them right back to the ground (which I don't normally do) as apparently the beetles can overwinter in the stems.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I mulch mine with manure after cutting off the old stems in the autumn.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • young codgeryoung codger Posts: 543
    Singing Gardener said:
    I don't cover mine but this year they have been ravaged by asparagus beetle so I will cut them right back to the ground (which I don't normally do) as apparently the beetles can overwinter in the stems.
    This was one of the things mentioned when I was reading. Understandably it advised  not to put the cut-offs on the compost heap. Even when there is no infestation. It is also about prevention.

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Oops, I did just that about a month ago! 
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
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