What's up with my asparagus?

[PMW]

All seemed to be going well with my asparagus planted last year and each crown has 4 or 5 full size healty ferns from the spears that first appeared in spring. In the last few weeks new shoots have started appearing, but after growing a foot or two they seem to be withering and going brown like this.



Any ideas?

[rustylady]

Too wet? Too dry? Asparagus Beetle?

[PMW]

All those did cross my mind. I could find no sign of beetles and I did water them once or twice a week during the hot dry spell. Since that came to an end we've had quite a lot of heavy rain over the last week or so. Could it be related to the change from dry to wet conditions?

[Vince G]

A few of mine have gone brown like that, but I put it down to the fact I dug them out of the garden of the house we moved out of in May and planted them at the lottie. I assumed they didn't like the move and might perk up next year. I've watered in a similar pattern to you, perhaps it's to do with that... An expert will be along soon.

[kathyd]

Mine too. I'm cross with them at the moment so I've ignored them for weeks. Now I can hardly see them amongst a positive jungle of weeds that are striving to grow even taller than the ferns, plus MORE *&^^ strawberries that just aren;t taking the hint when I keep pulling them out. I feel much better now that I can't see them any more . I might, if I'm feeling better by then, weed them and feed them in the autumn, and chop them down ready for the winter.

[leonmc0708]

Had the same problem last year - old fella next door told me to "give a couple of inches of compost and a drink of pee"

I did the same face you just did !

He advised me they are hungry and need feeding regular

Did so (some calcified seaweed not piddle) and they are all good