Asparagus

Last year I grew some Asparagus plants from seeds, they all did well and this year have grown on and thrown out lots of spears which I have let go to fern. My question is : Next year do I dig them up and transfer them to a proper Asparagus bed or shall I leave them where they are and build a raised bed over the top of them?

 

My understanding is that asparagus do not move well ... any damage to the root system is possibly fatal

 

Whis4ey is correct mature plants don't move well.
I grew my first asparagus bed from seed and lifted the plants in their second year. It would have been best to have moved yours in March/April this year, but I'd suggest that you now wait until next March and plant them in a properly prepared bed rather than just earth them up this year.
Quite a good site about asparagus cultivation here >
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/easygardening/asparagus/asparagus.html

 

ive got an old asparagus plant in my front garden it comes up each year (when i say old , ive been in my house since 84 and i didnt plant it so im guessing its more than 30 years old plus) it puts up a few sprigs but bolts very quickly.
question is how do you look after the seeds

 

May I climb on board with a related question?
I planted 20 roots this year in a good bed which has had beans in for a few years. As far as I'm aware I did all the right things (trench,manure,mound, spread out roots, cover) but no sign of any growth yet. Should I disturb the bed to see if the roots have rotted or been eaten?

 

We planted a few crowns, they have all come through and gone to fern. My question is we are in the process of leveling part of our garden and this involes raising the veg plot by half a foot to a foot. This will be done in winter when everything has been eaten/died back, can I just cover my asparagus by an extra 1/2-1 ft of soil or will I need to raise the crown up??

Many Thanks

Lisa + Jon

 

Thanks for the replies, as you can buy asparagus crowns in any gardedn centre, I wouldnt have thought there was too much trouble in moving them providing I'm careful. I think on balance they would be better moved from the nursery bed into a properly constructed Asparagus bed, it's worth a try anyway. As it will take at least another 3 years to get a return from my labour, I'll let you know then how I get on!!