[nicklpool]

Hi all:
Nick the newie here. Got a problem with the dreaded aspargus beetle.
Have searched other threads and learnt about pyrethrum etc., but my question is:

Given that I only planted the asparagus crowns this year, does that change anything?

We wont be cropping this year, so does the damage caused by the little bleeders (of whom there are dozens, even with regular squishing) really matter?
Thanks for all thoughts.....

[Yorkie]

Welcome to the site 

Sorry to hear about the beetle 

I'm afraid I don't grow asparagus so can't answer your question, but hopefully someone will be along who can

[Hampshire Hog]

Hi Nick sorry to hear about your beetle problem. I had them too in first year but they didn't stop the plants maturing -now 3 years old and cropped well this year. Normal advice is leave one plant for them to lay eggs on and harvest others. Logic is you get all the eggs on one plant then at end of season you cut it down and burn it. If the crowns are still new then best bet is to just pick them off and destroy. Then when you cut down at end of season I would burn the fern so you know you have destroyed as many eggs as possible

Cheers HH

[Trillium]

I get asparagus beetles every year but they don't diminish the plants' vigor. As said, burn the dead foliage to get rid of any hibernators and eggs. You can also squish the little pests, preferably with old garden gloves on.

[nicklpool]

Thanks y'all. Will deploy nerves of steel and refrain from doing anything chemical.
Nick