How do I control weeds in my asparagus planting?

Question:

How do I control weeds in my asparagus planting?

Answer:

Weeds compete with asparagus for light, water, and nutrients and will reduce asparagus yield and quality if not controlled. Cultivation and hand pulling are the best ways to control weeds in an asparagus planting.  Hoe or till the planting periodically in spring and early summer.  Cultivate lightly to avoid damage to emerging spears. Under severe infestation or to manage larger areas, utilize a herbicide such as, Gramoxone^® or Roundup^®  for weed burn-down before spears emerge.  After the final harvest, Roundup® could be applied directly to the weeds, strictly preventing any herbicide exposure to cut asparagus stalks or those that are still growing.