Help please with asparagus

[-pat m]

I bought some asparagus plants and have a nice spot in the poly tunnel for them, I was going to put them in yesterday but on reading the instructions they said �may not grow well in southern areas of the uk as they require a dormant period to be successful � I assume that is a heat thing? Will my poly tunnel be too snug in the winter for the asparagus?
Regards
Pat

[GreenPete]

A tunnel will let the frosts through, it's not as insulating as a green house. It would probably grow OK, after all the ancient Egyptians used to cultivate it and their climate is hotter than ours. I'm just not sure why you would want to grow it in a poly tunnel, taking up valuable space, when it is perfectly hardy. Also it is a long term investment because you could be cropping off if up to 20 years, so it will become a permanent fixture in whatever spot you plant it..

[bobleponge]

One of my neighbours grows hers in a tunnel type thing, not very long but certainly a tunnel, and it grows fine.
GreenPete has made exactly the point I was going to however, 15-20 years lifespan for asparagus, I would need to be sure I was pretty certain where it was going to be planted.
Mine are in their own bed in the veggie patch, and I have no problems with them. Are you sure you dont just have a little outdoor space for them?

[Paulottie]

I largely agree with Pete don't waste the space....they are pretty big in summer too!

I sometimes cover the bed in fleece for a couple of weeks in March to stop early spears being frosted.

You can dig up the crowns to force in winter but it will kill them.

[-pat m]

Hi thanks for the responses.

My tunnel is a bit of an oasis in a sea of chickens, I have set a little land outside which is fenced in for fruit bushes. The tunnel is fairly spacious 90� x30� � I have chooses a spot right at the top buy a vent which is outside or my rotation system, You have me thinking now perhaps I should put them outside in the area I have set aside for the fruit bushes?
Regards
Pat

[Paulottie]

I'd certainly say swap with the fruit bushes....just imagine the early crops of juicy berries when everybodyelses are rotting in the British summer...sparrows grass will be fine out side.

Sorry, not at all scientific this, but I have never noticed my chickens damaging the few old crowns I have at home...but then they are pretty fussy chooks won't even eat layers pellets or mash these days!...Mrs P took out a hot breakfast and they turned their beaks up...they are lucky they I'd have started laying again or have threatened them with the roasting tin!!!

[-pat m]

I'd certainly say swap with the fruit bushes....just imagine the early crops of juicy berries when everybodyelses are rotting in the British summer...sparrows grass will be fine out side.

Sorry, not at all scientific this, but I have never noticed my chickens damaging the few old crowns I have at home...but then they are pretty fussy chooks won't even eat layers pellets or mash these days!...Mrs P took out a hot breakfast and they turned their beaks up...they are lucky they I'd have started laying again or have threatened them with the roasting tin!!!

Several goosberry will be moved on your advice thanks
pat