5 TIPS How to Grow a Ton of Asparagus in a Raised Garden Bed Container

If you would like to know how to get a massive harvest of asparagus from the one raised garden bed or container then this is the video to watch! I give my 5 top tips on how to increase asparagus production.
Steel Garden beds: I'm happy to announce that I've made a deal with Birdies Raised Garden beds In Australia, go to birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/ and use Code SSMEbird for a 5% discount. In New Zealand, go to birdiesgardenproducts.co.nz/ and use Code ssmebird22 for 5% off your first purchase.
For USA, go here to get Birdies Raised Garden beds: shop.epicgardening.com/ and use SSME2020 for a 5% discount.
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Everyone, you know I love raised bed gardening and now I'm happy to announce that I've made a deal with Birdies Raised Garden beds in Australia & New Zealand go to birdiesgardenproducts.com.au/ or birdiesgardenproducts.co.nz/ and use Code SSMEbird for a 5% discount. For USA, go here to get Birdies Raised Garden beds: shop.epicgardening.com/ and use SSME2020 for a 5% discount. Cheers :)

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Good on you Mark! Glad to see you and Kevin bring awareness to these awesome beds, buy it nice or buy it twice!

[@alicecowan3499]

I wished I could get one more raised bed, maybe next year 👍🏼🥰❤️

[@sanjuansteve]

I love asparagus and I love your yt channel my friend!! Thank you!! :D

[@ambermichealshotkinkyjo15]

What about worm castings

[@ann7318]

I have never liked asparagus, but it looked so pretty in the store yesterday, so I went and ordered a lot asparagus seeds. I hope they grow. I hope to get some crowns soon also. Maybe it will grow better than rhubarb has for me. I hope to get more rhubarb plants also. Love your videos.

[@iasimov5960]

There once was a Greek named Pythagoras Who liked to play on an abacus. When he wanted to feed He sated his need With fish and a side of asparagus.

[@johndifrancisco3642]

Well done!

[@CloudNey]

Good stuff

[@mikeclement5383]

This is fantastic. Bravo.

[@rawfoodelectric]

Prost!

[@antilogism]

Hilarious!

[@KeetoowahChristina]

The Steve Irwin of gardening-love this channel!

[@kimberlylittle1]

I came here to say this!!! I just told my husband the same thing! I’ve never been more excited to find a gardening channel! 🫠🥰😂

[@stevecole2582]

I throw an inch of peat moss over my asparagus bed, 1/2 inch in the spring, and 1/2 inch in late summer. When I started doing that, my asparagus went crazy. Now I not only get about three times more harvest, I also get a lot of new seedlings sprouting, which I use to fill in areas, expand the bed, or give to friends for growing. Also, I always allow one stalk to grow from each plant, without ever cutting it. If I cut all of the stalks from a plant, it sometimes takes a month or two for a new stalk to emerge. But if I make sure that each plant always has a large, growing stalk, then the plants sprout continuously. The plants never die using this method, and I get a lot longer harvest season, almost 4 months in Illinois. Also, I keep weeds and non-asparagus plants from growing among the asparagus. This eliminates the hiding places for asparagus beetles, and allows birds and wasps to catch and eat them. Asparagus beetles usually drop to the ground and hide when they sense a disturbance. By using only a thin layer of peat moss, and keeping the ground otherwise clean, I no longer have any significant issue with asparagus beetles. The occasional Japanese beetles still get a soapy water bath, since they don't seem to have predators where I live. I put a sturdy steel garden post at each corner of my 4X4 meter asparagus garden which support a loop of string or rope around the garden. Asparagus likes to sprout up and then fall over. The string containment helps to keep the main stalk from each plant growing tall and healthy, about 7 feet. I noticed that sometimes an asparagus head will emerge with a curved or crooked shape. These never grow more than about 20 cm/8 inches, so I harvest them, even when they're the only stalk from a plant. Usually a new and healthy sprout emerges pretty quickly.

[@maryhui5551]

Could you please post some pics? :-)

[@sandyg3772]

Thank you for the great tips and information! I am trying to prepare a bed for my new crowns, but I have no idea of how they like their soil. Please, do you have any suggestions?

[@stevecole2582]

@@sandyg3772 I'm no expert on planting asparagus. I try to follow the directions that are basically the same on all youtube videos that address the issue. Transplanted asparagus usually has about an 80% survival rate, and usually takes at least two full growing seasons to increase in size, so that you can start eating them at the beginning of the third season. That timeline seems to match closely with asparagus that grows on its own from seeds that your plants will give off. When you see new seedlings growing in the spring, plan on two full growing seasons, and then harvesting them at the beginning of the third season. It also seems that if an asparagus grows on its own from a seed, it is usually in a place that the asparagus will do well in. I try not to move those, even if they're in an inconvenient location. If you do move an asparagus plant, try to do that when it's as small as possible.

[@sandyg3772]

@@stevecole2582 thank you. This sounds like very good advice. Especially the bit about the volunteers from seed. They wouldn't grow if they didn't like the conditions.

[@brokendad2222]

I am in Oklahoma (central part of the U.S.) we usually harvest for one week the second year the one more week each year until about five years. I prefer rabbit manure, it can be used without composting. When the kids were young I told my wife the asparagus beds were going to have to go, no production. While talking about it one of the kids spoke up and said oh the green sticks, we break it off and eat it all of the time. Now they are grown and I get asparagus. Excellent videos.

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL the kids were eating your asparagus fresh from the garden what a great story!

[@mrwdpkr5851]

HAHA !

[@diannerichard2509]

what a beautiful story

[@bludelphinium994]

🤣

[@doinacampean9132]

That's so funny!!! :)

[@thedannyd]

Asparagus grows wild and crazy where I live. Every spring, go for a country drive and fill up a bag or two. Works great for pickling!

[@dawnellis5010]

Where are you?

[@LouisEmery]

You mentioned how good they taste raw, right out of the bed. I started eating my 2-year old asparagus this year. I've never eaten something so refreshing. I'm going to expand.

[@TheTrock121]

We've grown asparagus for about 20 years and just redid our bed. I particularly like pickled asparagus substituting caraway for dill seed. Our old bed produced some spears over an inch in diameter that were just as good as the smaller ones. If the asparagus gets ahead of you and gets hard but hasn't bolted you can peel the tough skin off and use it just like bamboo shoots in stir fries.

[@eatme9970]

I recently bought the book Asparagus Can Do It For You. It is a miracle vegetable. I want to eat it every day.

[@jennymunday7913]

He is the daddest dad who ever dadded. XD Who knew gardening could be this fun??

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL thanks Jenny! Our kids love asparagus... or else... Cheers :)

[@mikeb1189]

Whack it off in the comment section!

[@jacquelinevikita1981]

Do you plant ginger?

[@khamhau]

Can I grow in the month of December

[@PeterLawton]

@@jacquelinevikita1981 Mark published a video on ginger.

[@Goosebump_clips]

No matter what mood I'm in this man always cheers me up

[@quasarsmom]

My grandfather had a ground patch of aged asparagus on the side of the family garden. I think it was over 30 years old, and oh so delicious. Still one of my favorite veggies. Never weeded the patch, the grass grew right with it.

[@jeremythekingoftheoutdoors3881]

Hello Mark! Jeremy here in Northeastern Ohio U.S.A. I've watched many, many, many videos you have posted on KZbin due to your methods, humor, and all around "Good Guy Persona" that you seem to be. Thank you for striving to share your knowledge and tips to gardening. They have been incredibly helpful. Please don't give up on making videos... they are invaluable to so many of us.

[@Andysfishing]

Nice one Mark, sounds like anyone can grow a tone of Asparagus like that, didn't know they last 20 years.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Cheers Andy! She's pretty easy to grow mate but not as easy as your red dragon fruits! :)

[@mickdom27]

Yes they do

[@NoName-mb7iw]

Asparagus does not grow in Galapagos, however, in greece was grown by Pythagoras. No, you can not smoke it like Cannabis, however it does taste quite fabulous. Thank you very much!

[@DK_Journey]

Why would make a comment on asparagus doesn't grow in Galapagos?? This is so random ha.

[@likeargamanflaming940]

@@DK_Journey Mark recommended rhymes on asparagus in the comments section

[@benjaminn8139]

@@DK_Journey Hahahaha^^ I can see why people would be confused Using asparagus to flatter us like Enrique Inglasias

[@joesinakandid528]

@@DK_Journey Maybe because it rhymes?

[@wendycarter5718]

Dont you aussies get a LIMERICK !!!It has 5 rhyming lines !!!

[@whodad1]

Mark knows asparagus and I can not understand why so many gave a thumbs down. Eating it fresh is a treat of life. iI you have cancer and you can't get enough. I have cancer.

[@dondouglas3431]

Thanks for the video! We have a 4'x12' raised bed that is about 20 years old and we love to see those asparagus tops pushing through the soil each spring! We are just starting to harvest this spring. Our large garden is deer fenced so the Oregon deer don't eat our garden but the fence also works well to keep our lab and our boxer from eating the asparagus. They LOVE it and will sneak past us when we are working in the garden if the gate is open to chow down on the spears...bad dog!

[@kimberlyhanley5905]

I’d say smart dogs!

[@Gr8Layks]

Normally I’m not a fan of overly dramatic thumbnails…but I had to click because your facial expression was friggin’ hilarious! Nicely done! I’m enjoying your videos here on the opposite side of Earth. 🌎

[@johnmarese1310]

Man i love your enthusiasm!!! Great show put a smile on my face!

[@DeanTheDoctor]

Your thumbnails make us smile. Stay awesome out there! 😊🌎🌄

[@hawkeyesplace7442]

I love this channel! Thank you for helping so many people! Cheers from the USA!

[@1new-man]

my grandparents kept asparagus growing wild. once established. asparagus is one food source a family can count on season after season.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Very clever of your Grandparents - that generation knew the value in homegrown produce! Cheers :)

[@thatguy2579]

This video reminded me of my old Mom many years ago she bought me asparagus root. She gave me her love of growing veggies. I enjoy each and every video you make. Thank you from Pennsylvania !

[@MightyGodofGods]

Tips: 1 - lots of variety. Grow several types. Buy established crowns and plant them to increase success. 2 - be patience. Takes 2 to 4 years before harvesting. 3 - cut the spears around 8". Harvest regularly to encourage more spears. 4 - after a few months of harvesting. Let it grow out. To rejuvenate it for next season. 5 - mulching and feeding. Mulch to protect and encourage growth. Feed with compost, chick or cow manure.

[@superchuck3259]

If a spindly spear came out of the ground, I would let that one grow out. Figured it needed to grow out to get sunlight to rejuvenate the plant. Seemed like that helped the plant spread. Nothing like fresh spring stalks!

[@SamBrickell]

"chick" manure? You mean like Amber Heard?

[@Amberelly-jl5iy]

Would it be best to start inside of the house them move to outside in the summer ? I am just starting out and I wanna have the most knowledge I can get

[@MightyGodofGods]

@@Amberelly-jl5iy I live in VT, a cold state. I bought mine from Walmart years ago and planted them in the late spring after the ground is unfrozen. Most of the plants survived the next year and then they spreaded like crazy.

[@Amberelly-jl5iy]

@@MightyGodofGods thank you so much. I am trying to make us more self efficient for in the next 3 -4 years. We have the land all we need is the house and garden. I am hoping to need the grocery store less and less

[@bartacomuskidd775]

You just became my favorite Internet Gardener.. Id never even thought about buying aged Asparagus. Man.. thats brilliant. *TIP* _Ever see White Asparagus in jars? Or have to ask your local Specialty Produce Market for White Asparagus? It costs 3 or 4 times as much. Well... to get White Asparagus, you just dump loose dirt over the new shoots.. NO SUNLIGHT. Harvest before they breach.. and charge 3 times as much at the Farmers Market. PLUS, youll be the only farmer with the secret Asparagus that people have to ask for. Be sure to keep harvested spikes, in sealed containers.. even picked they will start to turn green exposed to light._

[@alanz90]

Is no one gonna talk about how cheeky the thumnail is? 😂

[@waltersherwood6234]

I've planted asparagus in the rocky soil of New England while in college. It came out splendid.

[@Selfsufficientme]

That's interesting to know it will grow down in rocky areas! Thanks for the information Walter, cheers :)

[@TailithSky]

@@Selfsufficientme It grows in sand near wild shore too

[@pinnacleroofing9841]

@@Selfsufficientme There is a place up in the mountains of Colorado called Rifle, asparagus grows wild in the ditch on the side of the interstate and it's delicious.

[@siamstation]

This winter I am finally getting my asparagus bed organised. I grew it years ago and loved the fresh spears. Your video popping up on my page is an omen in my books. Cheers Mark to all your hours you put into your channel.

[@sandyg3772]

I am trying to get my bed ready for crowns as well, but I haven't had time to properly research ideal growing conditions. How are you preparing your soil? Do I need to soak the roots before planting? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@siamstation]

@@sandyg3772 I would soak them yes. Anly for a couple of hours. I'm going to use a bit of worm castings juice from my worm farm as well. You could use a weak solution of fish emulsion if you wish.

[@sandyg3772]

@@siamstation great idea re the fish emulsion. I do have some kelp meal and there is liquid fish stuff at the store. I also have worm castings that I could probably make a tea with. Thank you so much for your help.

[@lorilee4186]

When hubby and I eat asparagus, it obviously helps the pair of us

[@mattbalfouri6572]

if i had to describe you to someone i would say you are like a Steve Irwin of gardening! you have lots of information and more importantly enthusiasm.

[@LadyMarie1967]

I've been growing asparagus in the ground for several years. I'm wanting to move everything to a raised bed. It's nice to see that it works very well. Thanks for the wonderful video mixed with so much humor and energy. Asparagus is wonderful off the grill, in stir-fries, and in ramen soup :-) so many possibilities.

[@digsindirt4490]

Thanks for the tips. This is my first year growing and just noticed the plants are turning brown. I panicked thinking I was killing them. Turns out, they’re just doing their thing. Whew! Thanks for the peace of mind. Happy growing!

[@thegooch7206]

Here’s a tip, use Rock Dust in the soil. Volcanic, Gaia, Azomite and so on. You can use them all together and no worries, they won’t burn your plants if you OD them on it. These rock dusts are packed with minerals the plants need.

[@1Lightdancer]

Yes! The combo some of my old notes on asparagus suggests: Kelp, alfalfa meal, ashes, lime, Epsom salts, greens and and rock dust!

[@Liliarthan]

@@1Lightdancer where best to source rock dust type stuff? The general garden centres/nurseries or are there other types of stores I hadn't thought of? I don't notice them usually.

[@bethb8276]

​@@Liliarthan Azomite can be found on Amazon, I purchased mine there. I'm sure most garden places would sell it too.

[@RayMak]

So fresh and sweet

[@tinarichter2960]

Thanks for the tips I planted Asparagus for the first time this year in a raised bed. I am so looking forward to the day when I can harvest :) I am in Northern CA but a couple years ago my family took a trip to WI for a family reunion. My sister in law had Asparagus in her garden and OMG it was amazing I have wanted to plant my own ever since.

[@PIESvcs]

Hi Mark, we prepared two beds of 15 metres by half a metre last year and transplanted the asparagus seedlings that were germinated and grown on in bags for two years. The beds were filled with semi-rotten logs and branches hugel culture style in our sandy, coastal NZ soil. The hugel culture seems to suit our sandy soil that gives rise to drought conditions in Jan-Mar. It stayed green with mulching, little watering and the volunteer tomatoes seem to love the asparagus. I have always envied your raised gardens, but water systems and rapidly draining soil are our challenge with catchment from roofs limiting supplies for the time being. I will look at the Birdies product, but water is probably a pre-requisite for the raised beds. All the best to you in Queensland, a happy place for my family and I. I am hoping to get into more pursuits of a fowl nature when the time is right. Love your vlogs.

[@castcrus]

Though I don't have a garden, I have been watching your video for years, cheers! hahaha

[@JW-yt7lr]

Fresh pea and asparagus risotto with lots of Parmesan .....so delicious !!

[@Cannabisoriganum]

If you want to try an advanced asparagus technique, you can actually get a fall crop from asparagus! If it has healthy canopy growth throughout the summer you can chop it down at the end of summer or early fall, and about 5-10 days later you will get a new flush of spears. Best done on dedicated crowns or particularly vigorous/old ones. Cheers!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for the tip on getting some extra spears before the end of the season! Cheers :)

[@joanl2057]

In my established asparagus stand, I look for small shoots all summer amongst the foliage.

[@Johnny_Benson]

Burn your dead ferns in a metal bucket and then put the biochar on the top of the bed. Kills winterizing pests (asparagus beetles) and it provides "biochar" which is crucial for soil nutrients!

[@SurferJoe46]

I live at 46.2 degrees N latitude with a 3 month (at best) growing season. I've got wild asparagus growing on the north fence line that is probably much more than 30 years old. I do not cultivate, feed nor water it and I can get many tasty stalks during the warm months. Asparagus grows wild along the abandoned train tracks around here too... so people are always going out for a day-hike and gathering it. My water table rises in Spring from melting snow packs, sometimes the ground gets so wet it "squishes" as you walk on it, yet that never seems to bother the asparagus. I'm just saying this to let you know that asparagus seems to produce well in places where people worry a lot about tending their gardens, possibly to excess.

[@stewartmcgill6401]

where that?

[@albertli3935]

Your v program is excellent and educational. You contribute greatly of self sufficient and independent living, which a lot of young people are lost in the search. You give living a new meaning. Thank you many much and God Bless You and all the Aussie folks down under. From California, USA. Salute!

[@lucky13farms99]

I used to know a hippopotamus Who was friends with all of us He liked to ride on the city bus To go get some asparagus

[@Selfsufficientme]

That is soooo good! You make it sound easy now I've read it but there's no way I could have thought of this rhyme - well done! :)

[@lucky13farms99]

You're welcome. We love asparagus but have never grown any. You make it look easy. We appreciate your videos. Very educational and fun to watch.

[@Idontwantachannel67]

K J This is all quite hilarious!

[@garybrinker4522]

Self Sufficient Me I just planted crowns two days ago in Nebr. Using trench method .. 4 ft apart as directions said , wondering about what other veg. might grow well between rows . Should I be concerned about Rabbits,Groundhog or Hippos ? ha ..

[@richarddowner4292]

good rhyme. Like it. thumbs up!

[@bc0150]

Hey mate. Thanks so much for your videos mate. I am new to gardening and you definitely motivate me. You have been an amazing help for me. Being a semi-young fella (27 yo) not many of my mates here in Brisbane like gardening but thanks to you I am loving it. Cheers again mate and please keep up the GREAT VIDEOS

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks mate! I/we in the gardening world of KZbin NEED more young fellas like you to become hooked on gardening because let's face it your demo rules the internet. However (selfish reasons aside) I really want younger people to find the magic of food gardening for themselves as it's easy to do and the health benefits are amazing! The younger people get into growing some of their own food the better IMHO for the whole world - and I mean that... All the best :)

[@lilolmecj]

Gardening is such a great hobby, I am a life long gardener, 56 now, I had tomatoes in pots on my patio when I was young, now have raised beds in my yard. It is endlessly interesting. Good for you.

[@MsSMR91]

Im 27 too and i find where i am from many people have forgotten food can even be grown!!! I am trying for the first time this year because here in the usa they are doing a lot of fishy things with our food. And omg! It is so expensive for just plain gmo let alone organic!!!

[@lilolmecj]

MsSMR91 if you are looking for heirloom seeds try Baker Creek Seeds, Rareseeds.com. Potatoes are a great beginner gardener plant, as well as tomatoes and green beans. Good luck, it is the best hobby, or lifestyle.

[@acen3283]

B C01 hello from Brisbane 😄😄

[@muminmoha24]

i love his sense of humor. Watching this from England have been a big of yours Mark for awhile. Keep up the great work mate

[@AlasdairILoveOxford]

I remember years ago hearing that the ancients believed asaparagus to be an aphrodisiac. I am not so sure about that but clearly, this esteemed vegetable has inspired many poets on here!!

[@castleofcostamesa8291]

Thank you! You are such a lovable guy! I will plant an asparagus patch this year! Thank you from our Southern California, USA garden!

[@sortathesame8701]

I never cared for asparagus until I ate some fresh from the garden! It is amazing how different it tastes from the stuff we buy at the grocery!

[@stephensarkany3577]

Mother was an Ohio yankee that hated asparagus as a child because all they had was canned. In the San Joaquin valley she found out how much she liked it fresh.

[@saschiver]

I've been growing it for 2-3years now. My grandad dedicated a patch to asparagus and I learned a lot. So 20yrs on I grew it along with almost every other veg and won 1st prize on beech groove garden for Scotland and UK. Yea I trenched them too with FBB fert now n then. Beautiful veg. Don't forget to cut and cover once ready. BBBmeal a must

[@lindalinda1569]

I've watched a few videos now trying to learn what to do with my asparagus crowns. Yours is by far the best. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@shean7890]

I’m so taken by your super excellent videos and teachings, that I often forget to even push the Like icon, forgive me, and thank you so very much for all your love in all your videos. 🙏

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL you are forgiven! You know what - to be honest, watch time on the video is more important but hitting the "thumbs up" does help overall to let YT know people were engaged etc. I'm just glad you took the time to comment and watch my content :)

[@gewgulkansuhckitt9086]

My strategy is to let the first three or so sprouts grow into ferns in the spring. These will feed the roots and grow the plant while I harvest the occasional sprout during the summer. I don't harvest when colder weather approaches.

[@rosewood513]

I love the way you explain everything so precisely. Thank you.

[@lobo80085]

I plan to start a homestead in the future and your videos are my favorite to watch. The small jokes here and there really capture what living good is all about! Cheers

[@earlrumble1692]

asparagus = share with us! Thanks for all your hard work in both the garden and in producing these vids.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Earl - share with us indeed! Cheers :)

[@rickybobby43]

By FAR the best video on asparagus! Cheers bud thanks alot. We moved into a place with a bunch of it growing in the back. I can't believe I haven't killed it in the last 3 seasons!

[@elainelerner3337]

Another winner video. I use a lot of coffee grounds as well as mulch in the asparagus beds. They love it!

[@PeterLawton]

Great info -- thanks, Mark. This one got me thinking about one of my long-term goals, growing fruits, nuts, berries, and veggies "in the wild", on rural public land. I'd like to grow a ton of stuff people just don't notice (but would be welcome to harvest). The crisis in Venezuela is what first got me thinking of this. Would you be interested in making a video specifically about no maintenance perennials that just keep propagating, however slowly?

[@Keyspoet27]

I did a little bit of that in Central Florida. The Pinellas Trail is a bicycle path that stretches the entire length of the county, and there is ample room along the route to plant an abundance of food plants. Fool that I am, I actually tried to get county permission to plant chaya plants along the route. One of it's common names is Mayan tree spinach. Chayas are a tropical large bush/small tree native to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, which provide an abundance of edible, large, dark green maple-shaped leaves, which are renowned for their incredible nutrient value, including being roughly 50% protein by dry weight. The University of the Caribbean, in Puerto Rico, did a study of hot weather spinach substitutes, and of all of those trialed, chaya outproduced them all. The county shut me down, but I still planted a few Chaya's here and there, which are ideal in that they are non-invasive, as they only rarely produce viable seed, and are typically propagated solely by cuttings. But they grow fast, they get huge, and they produces a ton of food in areas where it doesn't freeze. If enough people in frost-free zones started growing chaya, we could make a serious dent in the hunger problem in our nation. And they're resilient plants, as well as beautiful specimen plants, so I have little doubt that at least a few of my guerilla-planted chayas are still thriving and producing. Their small white flowers attract a large abundance of pollinators, the little copper colored tree frogs common to Tampa Bay find refuge under their large leaves on hot days, so they provide much-needed habitat, while being resistant to most pests. In Mexico, the leaves are used in an agua fresca, and they are considered medicinal, particularly for those with blood sugar issues, as eating the leaves helps to regulate blood sugar. And the large leaves can be used in smoothies, though they should be blanched first, as chaya leaves should be cooked before consuming them. They are deer resistant, as they are somewhat bitter raw, but they would need to be protected from goats, who relish them. They are also commonly fed to tilapia, in aquaponic systems, and the neighbor who gave me my first cutting told me that her son's Muscovy ducks kept his chayas trimmed as high as they could reach. The leaves can also be powdered, and added to soups, smoothies, dips, breads, or even chicken feed, with no need for blanching. Great stuff - and it's delicious!

[@kimberlyhanley5905]

@@Keyspoet27 I’m curious, why did the county not accept your tree proposal?

[@Durburger316]

Thanks for the video! You’ve inspired me to dedicate a spot for asparagus. I had no idea of the longevity! I think your videos are wonderful.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Amy! I've seen them growing in parkland down in Melbourne (near the AO Tennis Centre) as an ornamental they really are worth putting in the garden. Cheers :)

[@kengaskins5083]

Appreciate your enthusiasm and the way you explain things, slowly & in detail! Still having an impact 5 years later! My only experience growing asparagus was in San Jose, CA USA about 25 years ago. I ended up actually having a lot of success with beans, tomatoes, zucchini/summer squash, black/raspberries, garlic, and lettuce. But I remember that I didn't pay a lot of attention to the asparagus row, yet I still got a small harvest! Next place I go, will put in a more honest effort on the asparagus if the weather & living situation (house vs apartment) permits. Thanks for the great tips!

[@anitablanco7309]

I love this guy, he loves to garden. I wish my husband would help me in my garden. I really enjoy watching your video!

[@nunuvyerbizniz3433]

Asparagus, for the pair of us!!!! Best I could do, LOL!

[@solfeinberg437]

I must've had very good results. I've planted it from seed every year for the last three. And had good germination. I put it in some nice compost mulched with wood chips. These little hair size stalks come up and fern out. Anyway, I at a bit at 1 year old. If it comes up in the Spring - I would eat every spear that comes up if you think you're going to have another frost. I left some, thinking, oh let it grow - don't eat it. But then we got a good freeze and every bit above the ground died (plant was okay, just knocked back) and was all soggy and inedible. So, eat everything if there's going to be (likely to be) another frost.

[@alicecowan3499]

Never mind my first comment. I just ordered a raised bed like yours! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@garman1966]

So that's why my 20 year old plus asparagus bed is doing great this year. I put a bunch of the chicken shit straw from the coop over it a couple months before spring, and we're getting really big thick ones!

[@Pinkenstein]

Your videos are so entertaining! I have learned so very much from you in the past year. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thank you very much for supporting my channel I really do appreciate it! :)

[@patriciaames4507]

Oprah Show

[@CarmenMartinez-qn3jw]

Who's going to wait 3 or two years lm 73 l will never wait for that l might kick the bucket. But thank you.

[@jonathanayling4378]

You can grow asparagus throughout the Americas.

[@LizZorab]

My asparagus crowns arrived in the post today, thank you for the info. I'm going to prepare the soil in the raised beds well before I plant them. Great video!

[@daymorse8]

I just picked up some crowns to put in the beds, and this video pops up, what a coincidence!! 💚 I love your content. Thank you for being here.

[@BulgrozTseNob]

Thanks for your tips, mate.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks for watching mate! :)

[@alesandrabiasello]

Did I just find the Steve Irwin of plants?

[@janicejurgensen2122]

Love your videos!! Not only very informational but also so enjoying to watch!! Ty

[@etiennelouw9244]

I planted my asparagus from seed next to a trench I dug for water harvesting. 4years to go. You have done well.

[@dennisshields7246]

How did I miss this? Great Video. I'm growing Mary Washington for the first time this year.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Love Mary Washington it grows so well - better than the Australian purple tip. Cheers :)

[@mickdom27]

I show my asparagus roots overnight and then plant them they grow way fast

[@veganchiefwarrior6444]

asparagus spears for years, cheers, lol

[@garyheninger1876]

I bought some Asparagus roots last year. I live in Georgia USA. I harvested my 1st 2 on March 7th. We ate them right out of the ground and they were tasty. I'm glad I brought root stock, I only had to let them grow for 1 season and am enjoying them now. I also got the Mary Washington variety and they are not stringy at all. Thanks for the tips.

[@thingirlsrus]

Excellent. I put asparagus in as seed and they're about a year and a half old now. Very bushy but doing extremely well. Two more years and we'll be feasting on it. Great video

[@NorthtoHopeDesert_Hues]

I started asparagus from seed last year so we still have a couple years till we can enjoy it.

[@wendycarter5718]

Me too !! Really exciting !!

[@davidcrowson4745]

Hopefully I will have some this year , some friends gave me some root stock and hopefully we'll get some here in zone 7 here in the USA. Great video thanks for sharing 😀

[@Selfsufficientme]

Good stuff David, best of luck with your asparagus this season then! Thanks mate, cheers :)

[@BendoregonStudio404]

My asparagus is IN ITS BED.... from roots I started 2 years ago. I have mary Washington roots, started from seeds. I am so so pumped as some spears have popped up after putting roots in. YAHOO! Thanks mate! Great tips. I used your tips.

[@alanhuestis6793]

As we speak, I am making my raised bed for my asparagus roots. I started Mary Washington asparagus here in Chile where I retired... kinda , as my passion is my garden and years ago, I had a nice bit of asparagus in my garden when living in Utah. Planted the seeds 2 years ago and now have nice plants, nice roots.... ready to find a new home in a raised bed. Truly enjoyed your 5 tips on this video as wanted to make sure all correct. Loved your video and kudos to your videographer who did some nice ' matched action ' moves on your transitions ' so no jump cuts. As a videographer for decades, it's so nice to see the effort taken by some who write a ' SCRIPT'.... plan out the shooting and then, ( you ) deliver the message. LOVED your video mate. I am excited as my roots are finding a new home today. Cheers!

[@adolthitler]

Back2Eden recommends snapping the stem off at the crown, he says it stimulates more shoots. Also he recommends growing two beds, harvest one in spring let the other grow. Then late summer, let the harvest bed grow out, then snap off the ferns of the grown out bed at the crown, then this asparagus will grow fresh spears to harvest till the end of the season

[@jpblitz2104]

Your video is truly amazing and I did pickup some great tips on my allotment gardening, thanks a lot! I am preparing to plant them from seeds this year, a good tasty strain, already have them ready to go to the soil tray. But will plant some nice crowns on the allotment first and will use the trenching method that is great. Question: do you test the pH of the mulch before adding to the aspargus bed? Reason being some of them might be too acidic whereas the aspargus fern needs 6.5-7.0 range pH for optimum growth.

[@reneebrown2968]

I love those little red berries. They ensure I get more every year

[@frankiebailey5731]

Absolutely the best garden program ever!! Thank you

[@scotty2307]

Great tips Mark. Hmm, when you let them grow out, they really do look nice. I suppose you could call them asparagus fairagus.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Scott! Did you make up that word "fairagus" ? LOL perfect mate :)

[@shaktiveda7041]

Self Sufficient Me ~ I love the combo "mushrooms and asparagus" Saute' with some garlic and hot pepper Along with some quinoa, wild rice or couscous It tastes great and it's even healthier From a green food grower To a green food lover Food doesn't need to be poisonous When you eat your greens and asparagus.

[@samwaldorf8777]

ohhhh me too mushrooms and asparagus with wild rice and roast chicken; I make it often!

[@vemberventura9383]

I like the way you explain everything, simple practical and easy to follow!

[@brandonwillis2346]

I love the different camera angles !!!!

[@sandimorreale6471]

Wonderful video! Where I'm located, it's almost time to top dress. Last year I planted roots from the store. Every one lived! I looking forward to harvesting a stem or two later this summer. (It's not even spring yet here) Blessings!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Great stuff Sandi - I've lost several asparagus plants after planting obviously you're doing everything right with yours! Cheers :)

[@voidremoved]

hello. I whould highly advise if you just planted it last year to not touch it this year... just let it grow and establish. it is not worth it. patience is a virtue. also I would suggest next year to only harvest very lightly. but only if you see strong looking spears at least a pencil, with more tips beginning to emerge but don't eat those. the year after that u will start to get the rewards

[@topdragon502]

Thanks for sharing, sir. What is the proper spacing when you put them into the ground? Do you plant it in the sunny or shade area? My asparagus look tiny in the first year, but I know it will look better within the next few years according to your tips.

[@PilotMcbride]

Once the plant goes to bush you can still ‘tip & eat’ while gardening. Nice snack.

[@katherinewitter2314]

Thank you for your very helpful video! We're in the UK and and made our asparagus bed this year - I'm loving watching the spears pop up and the ferns are looking great.

[@joansmith3492]

Amarilagus?? Very professionally done video!! Excellent tips! Thanks

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL... Thank you! :)

[@kimmyj1512]

Gotta ride on a bus Coz I ran outta gas But ain't gonna fuss I got my asparagus

[@wendycarter5718]

Rubbish !!!

[@laurahickman381]

thanks for the video. I'm in the UK and just planted my first crowns this year in raised beds. great idea about the mulch, i'll add some straw to protect from the frosts we get

[@ViviTran29]

Magnanimous rhymes with asparagus!

[@yvencia1150]

I love your channel!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Selfsufficientme]

Thanks Yvencia! :)

[@KH-vi9tu]

"I cuss, you cuss, we all cuss for asparagus." -Bart Simpson

[@theheidiberryable]

This was actually a "Far Side" one-panel comic. It showed a food truck driving and broadcasting this song. The caption beneath read "Failed marketing ploys." I had it up on my cubicle wall for years. I think it would work on me!

[@BillyKueekSG]

Your enthusiasm is excellent!

[@doina100mph]

Just had my 1st 3 asparagus pop up. Bought roots in the sale bin. Can't wait till they grow huge and I can split. Thanks for the tips