The roots have to be deep (about 18 inches). You'll probably have to wait until next spring until you can find the roots but you can get the bed started. The roots will remind you of an octopus. You'll see the eye in the middle and will be able to tell which is right side up because there will probably be a small sprout.The sprout is the top side. Lay the root with all the "legs" reaching out,so the "legs" can go in every direction. Give some space between each root when planting.
You can't just cover the whole thing and be done w/it. You have to gradually fill in the trench. Lay about 2 inches to start,just enough to cover the root. When you see green growth,cover the growth w/another couple of inches with your soil. Keep covering your new growth until each root/plant is covered in a nice mound. It could take a couple of weeks but asapargus patches can last up to 30++ years.Good luck,there's nothing like homegrown!!

I moved into a house that had an asparagus patch already growing, I think for at least 8 years. I had a few come up here and there. I wondered how to increase the crop and could I add more plants, there were empty spots here and there. Should I have fed them? I had about 5-6 meals from the patch. Any help appreciated.