An asparagus planting may be productive for 15 to 20 years when good cultural practices are followed. The first chore in the spring is to cut off the dead asparagus foliage at ground level.
Early spring is also an excellent time to fertilize the asparagus planting.
Apply 50 pounds of barnyard manure per 100 square feet. Lightly till the manure into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil with a rototiller or spade. This must be done in early spring before the asparagus starts to grow. Weed control efforts in the spring are also important. The best way to control annual weeds is to periodically hoe or till the planting.