Hi Bonnie
I grow asparagus, this is my second go round from seed.

The original bed got moved once too often and went kaput.
Alos had a problem with asparagus beetles. I tend to give up on stuff that is attractive to varmints. Got rid of 3 fruit trees because I dod not plant them for the squirrels, Back to the asparagus. I dig a 12" deep trench fill about 3/4 with manure, a little of soil to cover then ths asp roots.
They are heavy feeders, so I am liberal with the manure again in the fall. I don't do spacing but would go for 12 "
I started seeds , I think 3-4 yrs ago. Picked last year and have started picking today
Mary

Yes, the more manure you can give them, the better. And the deeper you plant them, supposedly the longer the patch will live.

You want male plants only if possible (females "waste energy" making fruit and seeds) -if you buy roots of any variety with Jersey in the name, they will usually be all male. Don't buy the old variety Mary Washington. I've read that you should buy 1 year roots,that 2 year roots may be more expensive, but not worth it in terms of production. They're pretty easy from seed, too - but it's a long wait.

I agree that the males are the best choice. I planted 40 males 6 yrs ago but I got a few females. I yanked them last year because the seeds they drop become weeds and they aren't very productive. The males are generally more productive than the females.

I did a 'lasagna bed' one year in advance of planting. Lots of manure, grass clippings, leaves, coffee grounds etc over a layer of newspaper. I add compost to the bed in the fall. I also sprinkle a liberal amount of bonemeal on my entire garden every fall.

All good advice thanks and one more question.....
How large is your garden? What can I expect the yield to be in 3-4 years?
Thanks......
Bonnie