New to growing Asparagus

[VirginVegGrower]

Hi there, am planning to get my Asparagus crowns in during March. What I would like to know is should I wait until mid March onwards or will they be fine to go in now? Should I add any growing matter at the time of planting or any other instructions/sage advice for successful growing.
I know I cannot cut the spears for two years, aside from that know nothing.

Thanks in advance.

[Kristen]

I *think* that Asparagus crowns are kept in cold storage by suppliers so that they are kept dormant up until the point when you get them, in which case planting a bit later will be fine (and perhaps your soil will be less soggy, less cold, and more receptive a bit later on? if you have "sand" then it probably matters less ).

If you were planning to buy some crowns in plastic bags and bone-dry peat from the local gardener centre then I think buying them as soon as possible after the delivery [to garden centre] will be important - the room-temperature warmth, and lack of moisture, can't do them any good sitting there on the shelf I reckon - and then get them in the soil, or at least some damp compost in a tray - promptly after getting them home.

[VirginVegGrower]

Thanks Kristen - went up there this afternoon and put them in. Fingers crossed.