Hi. I am in the Northern Catskills in zone 4. Last summer I created a raised bed using the "lasagna garden" layering method of peat, compost, manure, etc. The bed is intended for asparagus crowns, which I plan to plant this spring. In zone 4, what is the best time to plant the crowns?

My situation is a bit complicated in that I reside in NYC and go upstate mainly on weekends. I need to coordinate the delivery of the crowns with one of the weekends I am going upstate so I can do the planting. Trying to figure this timing out ahead of time so I can get those crowns in at just the right time.

The asparagus sellers I spoke with said late April was a good time to plant the crowns. I suspect that is a bit soon for zone 4, where spring really doesn't seem to hit until mid or late April, but what do I know? I seek enlightenment and appreciate any assistance.