Planting asparagus?

[suzylou]

Hi all -

Got my asparagus crowns today and have been out to plant them.  Following the instructions, they have ended up sort of planted but with about three inches left above the soil.  Since the whole flippin' crown is brown and dead looking, this seems odd, and I'm wondering if in fact the whole thing should be covered over?

Help!

thanks ;)

[suzylou]

[grotbag]

Hi Suzylou,Not sure how you planted your asparagus,when i  did mine I dug a 9inch trench put crowns in covered crowns with soil then as plants grow add more soil. This was for spring planting dont know if autumn planting is different. Have had mine 3 years now looking strong and healthy.

[suzylou]

Thanks grotbag - so TOTALLY covered?

I might have to go back to the lottie tomorrow ;)

[grotbag]

suzylou,just checked my book it says to put a ramp in bottom of trench and spread roots out first.For more info try putting vegmenu in search engine.

[suzylou]

*laughs*

Oh my, I think I have done it totally wrong.  Looks like those long leggy bits should be spread out as roots, rather than sticking up above the soil.

Lucky I asked.  Thanks!

[tim]

I would give them a long soak before you put them back. They can easily be killed by drying out.

[suzylou]

I will do that too, thanks Tim.

They only went in late this afternoon, and were watered, so hopefully if I get down there before work tomorrow it will all work out okay.

Still laughing.  Hope none of the allotment "experts" spot them!

[grotbag]

Hey Suzy, your,re not blonde by any chance

[suzylou]

Nope, brunette, and laden with degrees and qualifications and stuff.  Apparently, though, not talented in the horticultural department :>

[grotbag]

try this site http://www.powen.freeserve.co.uk/veg/vegmenu.html#index

[terrace max]

My T & M crowns were pretty dry too - but given the rainfall around here recently I think that will only be a passing problem...

As regards planting instructions: yup those long dangly things are roots which need draping over a mound in the bottom of an eight inch trench.

I covered mine up with a bit of fine soil and then muched pretty thickly with more soil and compost and leafmould. I decided against the cover as they grow approach because presumably they won't do much now until spring and I don't want the frost getting them...