Planting out Asparagus plants

[jeremyf]

I have a load of Asparagus plants (this years seedings - about 40) I know it may be getting a bit late but should I plant them out now or pot them on until next year (least favoured option!) They have about half a dozen shoots and are about 6 inches tall.

Also, I have heavy clay soil so should I plant them in the ground and mound them up onto ridges as they grow taller or dig a trench and plant as crowns?

Another question - What is a reasonable configuration for these plants - single rows 3 foot apart or double rows/ beds etc.

thanks for your help

Jeremy

[jeremyf]

[jennym]

You need to lighten up that heavy clay soil first before you put the asparagus in, they don't like being waterlogged - I dug sand into mine as well as well rotted compost etc. Plant on ridges, not too deeply. About 2 ft apart though opinions differ. I do mine in a bed, maybe others do single rows, I see them ususally in beds. If you put them in now, keep them watered if its dry weather.