asparagus crowns

I bought 24 crowns for a 4' x 12' bed. After a year, two have died, which is not unexpected. I plan to harvest a spear or two (depending on how strong the first spear looks) per plant next year and then go nuts the following year. My kids love it and would eat it with every meal.

Over the 6 week harvest period the year after next I'm hoping to get enough for one or two portions per week.

Their roots look like an orchid's - thick and long, and need space, plus good drainage. I've heard that digging them up is not an option, unless you have a mattock! Better to have fewer and more healthy, productive plants than to squeeze them in a smaller space. You will get more spears - hopefully!