[brownp]

Me again with my asparagus questions , lol!

So I now have my allotment - it is a blank canvas and I’m starting to lay down no-dig beds with well rotted manure as a base layer with some home made compost mixed in.
I have about 40 asparagus plants in 3 inch pots grown from seed in spring this year.
I intend to plant them straight into the bed.
My question is ….would you advise me to leave them in the pots until spring ….or plant them in the bed now whilst the ferns are still up and visible?
I’m thinking that if I do them now I know where the crowns are etc but it outs me under a bit of pressure to get the bed ready…but if I wait until spring I will be disturbing them as they start to come to life
Any thoughts?

[Nobbie]

I’d keep them in the pots until April and then plant out as otherwise you’re just potentially causing some damage when transplanting and this could cause rot over winter and you may lose some. Best to wait until the soil is warmer and they are about to go into active growth. Also has the bonus of giving more time to get the bed free of perennial weeds and incorporate lots of organic matter.

[Goosegirl]

I agree with the above re- keeping them in their pots but would anyone advise putting the pots into the bed so as to keep the roots frost-free over winter?

[Hampshire Hog]

Good thought Goosegirl.
Perhaps put the pots into a cold frame if available??

[Goosegirl]

Good thought HH. Maybe use this year's finished compost bag or buy a cheap one and "plant" in that just so's the pots are insulated in some way, even wrap some bubble wrap around the sides of the pot.

[Yorkie]

Make sure they have adequate drainage if you plant them in plastic bags ... the roots may well rot off if too wet.

[Goosegirl]

They may well, that's why I mentioned just insulating the sides of the pot and not the bottom as well.