to cut down asparagus ferns or not to cut

[weebleswobble]

i have about 9 young asparagus crowns that have sent up a riot of ferns. they're 2 years old, but my brother started them in planters and they didnt do well in the planters at all. most of them seemed to be dying. so this spring we transplanted them all into my raised bed garden, and they seem to be doing much better. two of the crowns i think

Comments

[icelore]

I leave them be until they turn brown and brittle. If the ground is still clear at that point (frosts, but no major snow coverage), I clip them and dispose. If there is snow, then I just leave them till next spring, and then cut down.

I'm in Chicago if that helps. :)

[low_delta]

I read that you should leave them so they collect snow, which provides cover and spring water.

As for me, sometimes I cut them down, sometimes I don't. Never seems to make a difference.