Daft question about asparagus

[daffodildreamers]

I have a new allotment and I’ve just been told there’s an asparagus bed there. However, only three tiny spikes have come up. Presumably because I had no idea it was there and didn’t water that bit.

I have no idea at all about asparagus but am I right to assume the bit that has grown is the only surviving bit? If I water will more come up next year or has the rest died because of the dry spring?

I can leave that bit of the allotment untouched until next year but it seems a waste if it’s all dead.

Probably. Unless the last person has just harvested it all before they left? Either way, I'd leave it just in case?

Has the bed been well weeded? They don't enjoy competition so may have been knocked back. With the expense and long term commitment of establishing an asparagus bed I'd be inclined to weed and manure/ feed it really well and hope for a good show next year. Depending where you are and the conditions it's also possible that you're just a tad early.

Agree with PP, if the plots been unused other people may have helped themselves to the shoots as they came up.

I have had the plot since early March so unlikely anyone has taken any. It’s been mostly weed free too. Thanks for the advice. It won’t do any harm to manure the spot and see what happens next year. Worst case I’ve got a new fresh bed to plant in if nothing comes up by next June!

My asparagus is nearly done for this season. They last for years. I only have 3 crowns so only get a few spears per week (maybe 10ish) but only I eat it so it's perfect.
I don't water mine much as they like sandy soil and mine isn't

Don’t harvest the ones which have come up - let them grow and feed the crown for next year