Asparagus crowns are usually planted in late March or April. However, it is possible to plant certain varieties in the late autumn, as long as the ground and weather conditions are suitable.
Asparagus crowns are best planted in a specially-prepared trench. This should be 20cm (8in) deep by 30cm (12in) wide and with a 7.5cm (3in) high ridge of soil mounded along the bottom.
Place the crowns on top of the ridge (37.5cm (15in) apart) so that the ‘spidery’ roots can dangle over the sides – the top of the crowns should be 7.5–10cm (3–4in) below ground level.
Water the crowns well and then fill the trench with soil to just above the level of the crowns.
New shoots will soon grow and, as they do, the trench should be gradually (and carefully) filled with fine soil – always leave around 7.5cm (3in) of the shoots visible. If you have more than one trench, they should be spaced 90cm (3ft) apart.
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