In the spring, shoots are wilted, dwarfed and sometimes dingy-brown. Entire shoots on mature plants wilt during summer moisture stress periods. Roots on affected plants are reddish. Start new plantings in well-drained areas never planted to asparagus in the past. Soak seeds for 10 minutes in solution then r with clean water.
Weed control is an important aspect of good asparagus culture.
Weeds reduce crop production by competing for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Since asparagus is one of the very few vegetable crops that not only tolerates high soluble salts but is salt-loving, a salt solution can be used to control weeds. Repeat as necessary. Salt brine may be sprayed or sprinkled on growing spears and mature fern, but avoid applying it to tender seedlings or young fern. In the fall remove the mulch to eliminate an overwintering site for the asparagus beetle, a common pest on asparagus.