asparagus - is this all right?

After twenty years of loyal service we replaced our exhausted asparagus bed last spring. New place, new-bought plants, well composted etc. It produced some decent spears straight away, though of course we did not touch them.
This year, only three spindly specimens have come up, not much thicker than a match stick. I know it takes years for them to really produce, and did not expect to eat anything this year. But still it worries me. Should I water them or give them more compost? Could anything else be wrong?

 

Hi

• Where did you buy them from
• whats the variety
• when did you plant them and how did you prepare the bed
• Is it a sunny well drained spot

its still only early for them to be growing

 

I bought quality asparagus plants, 'Gijnlim' from a reputable Dutch company. Can't quite remember when I planted them. I think it was late spring. We have raised beds and I forked in lots of compost.
Yes it's sunny, yes it's well drained, yes it's probably still early and yes: I'm the impatient type! TaA :-)

 

Hi well you have done everything properly, it has been dry for April and a raised bed which makes it all the more drier , so good soaking may help

did you ever have asparagus beetle ?

yes just relax and let them get on with it

 

Yes again, lots of them (the beetles). Which is why we decided in the end to move them. I hope it was a sign of overcrowding and will be less in this next bed .....
Soaking is a good idea. Will do it straight away! TaA