I am starting to eat asparagus, about 20 sprouts so far. My bed is about 10 feet by 20 feet, and this question arises: When and how should I fertilize my bed?

Hi John, I found this site answers most of my gardening questions.   www.thegardenhelper.com

Hi, John!

We grow asparagus too. We fertilize ours with composted manure after the harvest is over and also in the fall, applying a thick layer of it over the top of the garden. You can buy the composted manure at any garden store or big box. So far this has worked like a charm, our bed is 4 years old and very lush and productive.

BTW, not sure if yours is a new asparagus bed, but do you know about the rule of thumb for picking? The first year, don't pick anything, the second year, only pick a few spears at least as big as your finger, the third year, pick finger sized spears for 4 weeks, then let it go. The fourth year, pick anything finger sized enough for up to 8 weeks.

What I have been thinking is this: About a month after the harvest (going on now, picking 8-12 spears every day), the feathery growth begins. Isn't this growth what returns "strength" to the roots to make next year'scrop? I am considering strongly applying 13-13-13 in moderate amounts over the rows about a week after production ceases. What do you think of that. My original bed was four rows about 8 feet long. I have expanded that to 8 rows, and wish to make all rows about 4 feet longer. Original bed was put in about 8 years ago.