Question
MIKE,                                           CAN YOU HELP ME ON HOW TO CARE FOR MY ASPARAGUS SEEDLINGS OVER THE WINTER? DO I CUT THEM BACK OR JUST COVER THEM WITH STRAW OR NOT COVER THEM AT ALL. I LIVE IN CENTRAL OREGON IN A LITTLE TOWN CALLED SPRAY ONLY HAVE  150 PEOPLE. PLEASE SAY YOU CAN HELP ME.  THANK YOU

Answer
Carolyn, sometime in mid-fall, just before your first expected frost, mound the plants with shredded leaves, compost, or straw to protect the crowns. Do not cut them back at this time.

In the early part of spring, remove the dead foliage by cutting them just above soil level. Apply an all-purpose granular fertilizer, preferably 10-10-10, around the crowns to help promote new growth.

Assuming the plants are at least three years old, you should then get excellent growth and a good harvest next summer.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike