Asparagus contradiction

[Seagull]

I spent most of today digging a bed in preparation for my asparagus crowns, which should be arriving soon. (I'm optimistic that I'll be able to stand up straight again by the time the asparagus is ready to harvest in a couple of years...)

However, I'm a bit confused about one aspect of planting them. On Gardener's World the other night, Monty Don said you had to cover them with a good four or five inches of compost, whereas in Kew On A Plate, the gardener said to leave the tips of the crowns just poking through the compost.

Talk about poles apart! I don't know which advice to follow. If you've grown asparagus successfully, what did you do?

[ron]

Ain't did the same as Monty, was very surprised when I saw Kew

[Mr Bones]

We planted ours an inch or so below the surface and topped up after the first year.

[Nicos]

We planted ours about 3" down and then earthed up creating a ridge...so probably about 6" deep by then.

[Gurberly]

We planted ours deep, on a ridge (made of wine bottles) then earthed up... doing well 5 years later!!

[Lisasbolt]

A way to hide those empty bottles �� I'll remember that one

[Kristen]

I planted mine shallow and earthed up during the first season. It may depend a bit how heavy your soil is (mine is clay and only good for modelling!!)

Joy Larkcom says "Can be planted up to 12" deep, deeper planted results in fewer but larger spears" and "Make trench 12" wide and 8" deep for planting at average depth of 5", Mound up soil in bottom of trench about 3" high Spread claw-like roots gently on mound 12-15" apart. Cover with 2" of light soil. At end of first season cut off foliage (when it has lost its green colour) 4" above soil. Fill in trench completely (this method helps to keep the plants disease free)"

Some pictures of how I planted mine, in case of interest, on my Blog
https://kgarden.wordpress.com/projec...table-patch/3/

[Penellype]

Not that I have room for asparagus, but if I planted it 6-8 inches deep it would be in a permanent bog as we have a high water table here. For that reason earthing it up would seem a good choice in wetter areas.

[Seagull]

Thanks everyone - that's very helpful. I'll definitely be piling on the compost, rather than leaving the crowns showing. Now I just need them to arrive! *drums fingernails impatiently*

[Kristen]

I'll definitely be piling on the compost, rather than leaving the crowns showing.

You mean at the end of the first season, rather than on planting?