Asparagus........Is it just me or

[Ger-annie-um]

is this a bad year? I have two beds, one at home and one at the plot. The one at the plot is 7 years old and the home one 5, neither have produced much in the way of spears this year (last year we had loads). Is it something I've done/not done or is it happening to you too? The beds have added compost and manure late winter/early spring, soil is pretty light and well drained. We did have asparagus beetle last year at home but not at the plot. Wondering whether to dig up one bed and start again!

[RedRuth]

I don't think it's just you, I've had a disappointing year. My bed is 5 years old now and the last couple of years have been really good yields. I always get Asparagus Beetle, I just crush them by hand and I don't find they do too much damage. I think it must be the hot dry weather. I don't know where you are but in Bristol it's barely rained and been schorchio all of May, the allotment site looks like a parched August! I do water the Asparagus bed but without a hosepipe it's difficult to do it properly. I would persevere, it doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong to me.

[B Porcupine]

Mine has been OK this year in the East. I think the dry weather has really thumped it at the end though, despite trying to keep it watered. Nothing like last year's crop, I will agree! Mine is about 15 years old and still plugging away, so give it some time.

[Mr Bones]

Ours has been good too (in Nottingham) , it's slowing down now but at seven years old this has been the best year by far.

[RedRuth]

Update - Since we've had a good amount of rain my Asparagus has cropped really well! I'm now wondering whether to extend the cutting season, 6-8 weeks was up up at the weekend.

[Mr Bones]

Pleased it's picked for you RR. You could keep picking until the plants slow down (you get the feeling they're running out of energy) or until the spears are becoming tough.