[Trikidiki]

Either of your suggested methods should work but the first one may take quite a while to yield noticeable results. The second method sounds more favourable. I would do it as soon as you cut down the 'ferns' in the Autumn. The crowns won't have produced next years spear buds so if you are careful you shouldn't cause too much damage.

[snow white]

Every year you are supposed to add compost anyway.  My advise is to add lots of home made compost or well rotted manure and let it sit on top.  The worms will do the work for you.  Add lots every year in the spring along with some blood bone and fish.

[braders1234]

Thanks for the advice guys, I will take both my methods then, have a good scrape and then add organic material.

thanks again.