How to Grow Asparagus, Complete Growing Guide

[@williamcooper2415]

I really like James' teaching method. Many want to go on and on and they wear me out with their unnecessary chatter. James gets right to the point and can actually perform his task while stating the facts. Thank you for be so respectful, that you don't waste our time and keep up the good job.

[@importedtermite8]

James, Epic Gardening, and Migardener are the three wise men of the gardening youtubers

[@cucumberboi945]

@@importedtermite8 lol exactly I’ve been bored so I’m researching James vids lol

[@cucumberboi945]

@@importedtermite8 oh but u forgot self sufficient me he cool as well

[@importedtermite8]

@@cucumberboi945 you're right self sufficient me needs to be on that list too

[@virginiataylor3471]

Amen

[@palladini9718]

My Father, May he rest in peace, grew 100 acres of Asparagus, and folks in Toronto, which as the bird flies some 85 miles from the farm, knew it was the best to be had and if Dad used Asparagus from other farms they knew it. My Dad would make a deal with the local chicken farmer for the chicken waste. They would dump it along the side of the field in Winter, and in early spring my Dad would use a loader and manure spreader to distribute these chicken droppings over the fields.

[@muffintop420]

That’s so awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@patriciacavanaugh2223]

James is no novice. I found him years ago and he is full of enthusiasm for growing food in his yard. We are lucky to have him to follow.

[@epicgardening]

STOKED! I need to set up my midlife crisis asparagus bed, cause I'll be having one by the time it's ready to harvest 😂😂😂 nice vid bro!

[@islandhopper753]

You are far too young to be having a midlife crisis, young man 😄👍

[@jamesprigioni]

Haha!! 😂 Thanks bruv 🙋‍♂️

[@adschuster1987]

Amazing I am thrilled to know I'm in good company on hitting the "midlife crisis asparagus bed" milestone

[@TheCowEmporium]

You keep good company. I just saw a post you made on the Self Sufficient Me channel with Mark. We enjoy your videos as well. Thanks to all of you for the amazing videos you make for us to watch! Kevin, James and Mark! 😊

[@heatherak145]

Nice to see you guys getting along and supporting each other instead talking bad about each other. 😊

[@jasonjohnson4803]

"what's going on growers... let's go" my favourite KZbin intro!

[@billerb4220]

Don’t forget the ‘we out’ sign off

[@StarSolaris1122]

Same! My favorite intro too! ❤

[@austinbergquist1]

Something I was taught as a kid is to cut the asparagus just below the ground level. I think the reasoning was so that the sprout you cut did not dry out, but actually could start another spear.

[@Ripleyripper]

As a low-budget guy and certified asparagus fiend seed was really the only option. For two bucks and change I got over a hundred plants; my variety of choice--'Conover's Colossal' (a connoisseur's variety from the heyday of asparagus connoisseurship in the 19th century)--wasn't available as plants. And as many plants as I have, NONE of 'em get eaten any other way than raw the minute they're picked. Love those sweet healthy life juices gushing in my mouth!

[@micahwoller7401]

As an asparagus farmer myself this is a pretty good video, obviously this method is much different from a larger production farm but that's to be expected since you can give more time and effort to each plant. I will say that 20 years is quite the stretch, even though some plants will last that long if you baby the crap out of them they won't produce ad well and may become less tender. If you take good care of them except 12-15 years. Also be on the lookout for disease like rust and fusarium which asparagus is very susceptible to

[@PoliteTeeth]

The way asparagus grows always blows my freaking mind.

[@WeepingWillow422]

I remember as a kid vegetables like broccoli and asparagus were the "ewww" vegetables that no kid would eat. But as an adult I realized that those are actually two of the best tasting vegetables ever. I'll admit I've never had raw asparagus... but steam some up, sprinkle it lightly with some parmesan cheese... and you've got a veggie that tastes amazing. No sauces or dips needed!

[@ericmoulton9533]

My Grandma had an asparagus bed and it was amazing! I've been growing it here in South Florida for 15 years. It never stops. Not a big crop but I love the taste! Great info from u on how to grow it. Very cool!

[@grungle_gimmix]

Never seen someone so stoked about asparagus. This dude's energy is overflowing to the point he cant speak straight. Good laughs, thank you. Good information too.

[@andielliott7721]

I tried for a couple of years to grow "crowns" but failed so I just threw a bunch of seeds in the raised bed and "viola"...have had asparagus for some years now. Takes patience!

[@concken1]

Sources for seed?

[@christopherayotte3179]

Hey James. I am in central Jersey and have been growing asparagus in my backyard garden for about 10 years now. I probably don't pay as much attention to them as I should (really don't do a thing to them) and get a great harvest every spring. In fact, I don't cut down the plants in the fall. I just remove the dead plants in the early spring before they start to sprout. I do tend to find new sprouts all over the garden in the spring, many far away from where my main bed is. Keep up the great videos.

[@ratta_tat]

I built a tall raised bed for asparagus and my wife just planted hers today. She's so excited. Thanks for the tips, James!

[@ratta_tat]

Update: we already have 5 tiny spears!!

[@suavethreads8904]

What time of the year is best to plant?

[@cldavis33]

My Dad had an asparagus patch he sowed years ago. After he passed away, the patch was literally taken over by every weed from the field. Heavy thick thick thatch type weeds. I was tasked as administrator of the estate. I spent years harvesting tons of asparagus from that patch that you could not even see except for the spears in the spring. I can tell you, they were TOUGH plants. I let the go to seed and photo-sentheise of course in the summer forwards. I never cooked any of them, I couldn't stop eating them in the field. So amazingly good!!!

[@intergalacticsupremegoddes4008]

Thank you - I bought a 4 year old abandon farm - there is asparagus - I’ll cut it down in the fall as you suggest - I hope edible spears come up in the spring . Hi Tuck 🤗

[@BenMannell]

Thanks

[@Ij4hDw007]

Thank you for sharing. We just moved into a house with an OLD garden bed and couldn’t figure out what the dry bamboo looking sticks were in the ground. Today I saw this tall spindly twig plants growing and used my what is this plant app and learned it is asparagus (little flower like buds on the top so I am guessing its a female), Asparagus is my FAV veggie so I am stoked and hoping the roots in the bed are out completely dead. I need to rebuild and till so I am hoping I can transplant them.

[@marilynbentley8015]

Thanks for making this video, 45 years ago an old man told us this is the only way to plant asparagus! No one believes me when I tell them, thanks for spreading the word!!

[@redbeard6698]

This dudes energy is off the charts 🤟

[@sabyegrp]

Must be the raw asparagus.

[@maryhettaworld]

I was SO excited to see that you're a fellow Jersian! YAY! I currently live in Florida, but I am from Jersey. Thank you for a GREAT video! Looking forward to applying what you taught. THANK YOU!

[@newzealander6232]

Excellent video, thankyou I just purchased 3 different varieties that are 1Year old crowns. I was going to place them into very large containers but after this excellent video I will change it to my glasshouse, which is just a huge inside ground dug garden here in New Zealand, where I can protect then from the frost & the roots can go deep into the ground now 😊

[@joannekendall8928]

Best video on planting asparagus. Other videos had a lot more work. Thank you I will do your way!

[@M4002-y3d]

Tuck is so cute. I love fresh aparagus and yorkies! I can't wait to harvest my aparagus this year.

[@NipItInTheBud100]

That has to be the healthiest dog on the planet! Happy gardening!

[@mellyg8872]

I planted asparagus last year because of you! It took off great this year and I’m looking forward to eating some next spring ❤️ Great information as always James and love seeing Tuck eating on veggies 😍

[@delphinebrion1785]

Hi from Belgium, I'm conquered! I have never try the asparagus in my garden, now it's to late but next year I will try it for sure, it's already on my list! Thank you so much!

[@msbrithorton]

I immediately hit the LIKE button and the SUBSCRIBE button after only 5 seconds into this video. Love your enthusiasm!! I'm a fan!

[@NMWriterofWords]

Some of my roots were transplanted in 1973 and were about 20 years old then. My grandparents brought them to NM from TX.

[@virginiaseedsskogen2038]

Thank you, James. I planted Martha Washington and Pacific Purple asparagus during a kind of warm spell in March. I dug down similar to how you showed here, made the little mounds, spread the roots around the mound and covered it with 2" or so of soil. Nothing has come up. I planted them near young blueberries bushes and a week or so later planted onions in close proximity. I did plant the asparagus much closer than you did, 6-8" apart as my space is limited. Wondering if they're going to come up, or if I should start over? I haven't dug any up to see what's going on, because I'm hoping all is well and they just need a little more time. We are in zone 4a-4b, had a fairly mild winter and a dry spring, but I have been watering every few days if there wasn't much rain. A few weeks after planting the asparagus, I watched a video on companion planting/ food forests, sorry don't remember whose video, wasn't taking notes that day. They mentioned onions and asparagus were best not planted together, but I've seen other videos where they are, so not sure ...

[@slavicadimcevski9585]

@@virginiaseedsskogen2038 asparagus require alkaline soil 7+ where as blueberries thrive in acidic soil. Could that be the problem?

[@stacylangford8015]

Dogs are picky eaters when it comes to greens. Great video!

[@joannessmile]

James, South jersey girl here greatly appreciate all of the advice I have gotten from you for over a year. This is my 2nd year having a garden and kicked it up a notch. Got a 15 x 7 x 7 green house from Amazon for 130$ and already got my raddish pink lady, lettuce tomatoe , onion cauliflower and now asparagus. Oh and ground cherry which hasn't popped up yet. Got my heat mat and these baby's are doing great. Wasn't able to get the frog soil near me but started a small compost last year so here's hoping. Thanks from me and my family. Happy growing

[@bbmon7571]

Thank you for making this video! I now have 35 crowns growing, however only 2 will be 3 years old this year. I have 4 different kinds of asparagus going, purple passion, Jersey Giant, Martha Washington, and Mary Washington. So far I believe the Mary Washington are my oldest plants. I will sat this , lol Its tough waiting the 3 years but he is correct. There is no comparison between store bought and home grown. Another observation is that Jersey Giant and purple passion appear to grow bigger spears right from the start. Where Jersey and purple differ is the color and how low the ferns open to the ground. The Jersey opens closer to rhe ground but the spears are fatter. PP just has fat purple spears. The best part of all this is that I live in the most extreme place in the states The Mojave desert. lol The asparagus seems to thrive in the sand out here. I have made my own ammendment out of cow manure, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, mixed with native sand and small gravel . My only problem is getting the watering amount down, because of how hot it gets fast. I picked up a soil moisture tester that has been a God send

[@ShadowFarmer420]

Thanks!

[@ShadowFarmer420]

Great video 100% …. bong hit on me

[@rhondabaker7611]

James, I love your videos! YOu are so knowledgable and fun and upbeat! Thank you for all of your sharing!

[@Amyzgr8r]

Thanks for being an excellent ambassador for THE GARDEN STATE!!!!

[@PierceStudent]

It is a fascinating plant, the way it keeps coming back each season. Most Americans don't know how to cook it. There is a phrase in Italian about not over cooking the asparagus. It is great in Asparagus / Pasta Salads, etc. There are all kinds of recipes. If you are not growing it, look for asparagus in the early spring and get a jump on everyone else. By the way, my dog loves asparagus, just like Tuck. I eat the tops of the asparagus, Skip gets the bottom.

[@mrheinga]

One of the best garden videos I've seen! Thank yoyu!

[@HHWC100]

I love your intro. It gets me smiling. You are so excited. Thanks for sharing the joy and great info!

[@atmako1]

Thanks for sharing....I planted my asparagus in raised boxes 2 years ago and they are doing well...I haven't harvested any to eat yet,waiting for next year...I let the female's grow last year until they where dead and then cut them back....I learned from something from your video by cutting the female plants back earlier to help the roots...I have followed your permaculture ideas having planted apple,peaches,almond and plum trees in my garden area ...love your little buddy...

[@garyf285]

Most informative video I've watched on planting asparagus. Especially the balling up dirt for the roots.

[@timross3841]

I bought roots in February last year from Walmart, Menard's, and Home Depot, and there was quite of bit of price variation between them. I planted them in pots to get them started. Some were starting immediately, and others took up to about 60 days. However, I was 18 for 18, which is to say they all developed. Note that I got them into the pots the next day or so - it is important with dry root plants to get them going almost immediately - so they don't dry out. I transplanted the potted plants into a new asparagus patch in August. Again, 100% survived the transplant, and continued to grow. This spring, again they all survived and sent up shoots. Bottom line, I recommend starting bare roots in pots. The favorable conditions in the greenhouse/basement, combined with the difficulty/required patience for the slow developing plants (again, some took 60 days before they starting putting up a shoot) - I am pretty sure I would not have converted 100% from bare roots to living plant in the patch if I had planted directly. I am in zone 4.

[@magictraahlem5655]

I looove your videos im so stuck in the city .trying to finish my studies , work and earn money to buy a land and start growing

[@jordellaskincare6843]

Love yr enthusiasm, you always make me smile. Yes, learnt a lot from yr video, love how you spoke in Seasons as we are in subtropical Queensland Australia., thank you.

[@umsrum]

I planted them backwards its been about 2 months and they are finally coming up. I planted them fairly deep. Maybe Ill figure out how to change the planting next year. Just glad they are popping up

[@bcatbb2896]

i remember picking wild asparagus at a house we bought to flip a few years back. the stuff grew up to my waist and you didn't need to snap anything, the entire stalk was edible. taste way better than the stuff you find in the grocery store, and it's way thicker too

[@raylyons7935]

James is totally awesome . Asparagus is my favorite vegge and I've tried unsuccessfully for years to grow it . Basically, gave up. Thaks to James ad this video, I'm fired up and plan to followhis instructions for a future harvest. Thank you.

[@dianalieskovsky8729]

Thank you so much you always teaching me something. I planted my asparagus roots yesterday but buried them totally lol. I will gently remove some soil and add it slowly every couple of weeks like you said. I had a bed that lasted 20 years but finally died. I finally found I new space to start a new growth. Your right it’s so delicious when you grow it yourself. Simply amazing. ❤️❤️❤️ for Tuck

[@iancros1257]

The more I listened to James' style of delivery the more I really connected. I really grasped where he was going. I have subscribed ... looking for more. You are a Champion, mate! (from Aus) PS ... James, you really break down the message into a confident and rationale session without (as someone else said) all the other BS fill-in.

[@rosemarie7830]

Now I am ready to plant asparagus for healthy eating. Thank you so much.

[@user-uu1vx6fi3z]

I just planted my first asparagus crowns today. I wanted to make sure I did it right so I came here on you youtube. You explained it much better than the first several video's I saw. I think I did ok with the planting. Thank you so much on how to take care of them in the future. I think I will buy 10 more crowns tomorrow... I'm addicted now, lol.

[@Rocco25.6]

I planted asparagus the first time this year I think I blended it too deep I don’t want to attempt to pick it out of the ground again and try to replant it and maybe I even planted it too close together guess I’ll have to hope for the best

[@user-uu1vx6fi3z]

@@Rocco25.6 I may have planted mine not deep enough, lol, but that's an easy fix. I live in a northern country and I worry about frost. But, like you said, let's hope for the best. Good luck to you.

[@pinschrunner]

Asparagus is indeed one of my favorite ferns to eat but the store bought stuff is soooo stringy and tasteless. Most is from Peru. I am going to try to grow some from seed in Florida. I have a green thumb that I inherited. Thanks for inspiring me to produce my own so we can add this back to our diet. My dogs love it as well! I used to eat it raw on salads if fine and not stringy.

[@irbeliaespinosa6622]

Tucker is sooo cute. He deserves all the veggies you harvest. Lol..Great video btw.

[@duckluvnmom2802]

My first video from your channel and I am happy to have watched. I have 3rd year asparagus. Unfortunately, I just learned that I am doing everything incorrectly. Will put this new information to use in the Spring. Thank you.

[@sallyhenry1716]

If Tuck likes it ,it’s gotta be good!🤣 thanks James!

[@NickleJ]

I have now planted asparagus crowns two years in a row. Both times I experimented with deviding 1 of the 3 crowns, and both times it was a success. He may have covered this, but, I now have 8 young plant and I honestly wish I would have planted at least 10 or 12 plants my first year.

[@orthhaus]

Your energy is EVERYTHING

[@missannie8012]

I bought my house August 2021. The previous owner planted asparagus. This is April and I just pulled out one of those ferns. Oops! So I have about 6 stems growing now. Guess I will let them grow. This was really helpful. Thanks.

[@watdew1502]

Getting ready for my spring garden here in central texas. I forgot your name James, but searching "jersey garden dude" got me exactly where I needed to be. Thanks for your great content! I prefer your channel to Epic Gardening, much in the same way that I prefer Biggy to 2Pac. Both legends, but one clearly superior.

[@LordEagle]

That is the CUTEST dog ever !!!!!! 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥👍😎

[@malakingdude]

I have gangs of plants. I let them grow a bit longer and peel, slice n cook the lower portion with onions. Best vid I have seen on this.

[@ld2102011]

Have never seen this "mound" technique, brilliant! Makes SO much sense, thank you!!! And your dog is adorable :)

[@aquilaclark814]

I agree it does make sense I.. bet that will work for flowers with the roots like that as well..

[@barbarajeanne1776]

My son gave me bare-root asparagus as a gift, I’m on my third season and haven’t harvest it yet to grow the roots. So I wanted to learn more about it and was thrilled your video came up as an option. Your passion and knowledge on your videos are inspiring! Thanks for teaching us!! I learned all about how to harvest it for next year, just what I needed to know! My son loves it as much as me, so I’m looking forward to a life time of reward!! I’m in CT close to you.

[@jayraymond9707]

Found this video and I really enjoy the channel. Thanks man, great content

[@Prinnella]

Before watching I was planting in my flowers pot now I have a little garden 😊 I have a lot of crops that are doing pretty well without any chemicals. Will start my raised beds soon.. you inspire me to do something constructive in this pandemic thanks 🤞🏾🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️😊

[@beverlyrobbins9083]

Love your enthusiasm! Never grew it before, but love eating it....so here we go!

[@jimmynoname4089]

I used a slightly raised bed to ensure my plants dont sit in water. The bed is 10x15... for lunch and dinner i make asparagus just for me all spring. So amazing! Lol

[@michaelodwyer5305]

I have about 3/4 of a acre of land in Ireland and hope to move there now I am retired. One thing I am looking forward to is having a mixed garden of flowers/veg/and fruit. With a lawn too. I love my gardening. I too hope to grow asparagus and you have shown me the right way to plant it. Thank you.

[@swanhill772]

I’ve watched a few of your videos, here and there. I found them all pretty helpful and well done. This one, I subbed. Great video.

[@robertmattner6610]

I have not ordered Snow peas and snap peas AND Asparagus yet. Luckily I listen to you and Tuck First. LEARN AND APPLY !!! THAT'S MY MOTTO. WHAT a Team you guys are..😀😍❤🤟🤙

[@karmalarma4367]

This was so helpful. Can’t wait for this to flourish. 3 years from now 😢

[@awakenacres]

I needed this last year when I planted 125 asparagus. I planted in heavy soil and didn’t mound it. They are taking a long time to come up. Live and learn. Great video!

[@rayvin357]

12 crowns - not a good result-actually -no result! ( IT IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE TRIED TO GROW ASPARAGUS) my father had asparagus for over 20 yrs-he never did a thing to the plants

[@josephcraft2845]

I planted a 30 ft row last year and it is doing great. Love fresh asparagus

[@stephenwilliamson6118]

A great video. I bought four roots today and you give great advice. Thank you from the UK

[@lindalee601]

I put crowns in this year. I'm excited to watch them grow. Now to wait 3 years to harvest. Thanks James and Tuck. 💕💕

[@carolschedler3832]

OH!!!! Great tip about cutting out the berries!!! Thanks for all the great content! Great info! I love watching Tuck come and go from the garden 😂🤣😂

[@brandywineblue]

Love hearing the seagulls laughing while you work. So blessed to be at the Jersey Shore!!! Thank you James for another great video. Learning so much!!!

[@christinejavier4230]

This is great ! We love your asparagus harvest! (Yes - I’m a little envious!) have a great day!

[@geomundi8333]

i have so many to plant; thank you for inspiration and useful tips.

[@crazyring]

2019 we planted 100 mature crowns and this year is the first year we can harvest fully until late june :D It takes time, but it is sooo worth it!

[@aquilaclark814]

Hi yes there is nothing that taste so good as backyard asparagus.. I eat ours in salads.. taste so different than store bought asparagus..I had asparagus the second year I was shocked proud of you around the fence in the sun also have them in containers ..will probably move them to the ground..Thanks for all the tips🥰

[@jamesbucaro764]

Fast simple and to the point video I’m going to plant some because of this video Thanks!!

[@malakingdude]

You are so right. I never get to the house with mine either when there's just a few. Never disturb them after planted so make sure you have a nice hole for them with great raised bed soil and composted manure mix.

[@michaelmckesson6997]

You know what's funny. They had some farmers in my area who use to grow asparagus. They no longer grow that, but it grows in the ditches along side the road. So I just pull over and pick asparagus out the ditch.

[@hondaxl250k0]

I’m 100% a dog lover.. but I freak out when mine even gets in my garden. You are definitely a better man than I cause I’d lose my sh*t if my dog ate my garden . You do have much more growing space than I do. Gotta protect what I do have

[@josephhodges9448]

I enjoyed your enthusiasm. I am retiring this year and I am looking forward to starting a garden.

[@zazabawabenlewi6673]

What's up dude you the greatest bro love your work keep it going man keep it going bless up stay blessed up

[@JesiDavisBuildingaSimplerLife]

Tuck is so sweet! What a good boy!

[@billerb4220]

Watched this after putting my crowns in earlier this year. Interesting approach of earthing up the trench as the spears grow. I put mine in about 1 foot deep, then started to stress that they wouldn’t make it. Happy to say that all crowns have pushed out some nice spears and starting to fern.

[@melanieallen8980]

your soil looks beautiful!! lucky asparagus!

[@FC-su8su]

Your doggo is sooo adorable, can believe he likes to chomp on them raw!! 😘

[@SuperManning11]

You are so great to do these videos! They motivate and inform in so many ways. Thank you! … and thanks to Tuck for being so adorable!

[@jday1516]

That mound buil technique was a great tip. Love your vids

[@andrewshuckhart7672]

Love the video, love your energy!

[@kjrchannel1480]

I grow mine on the south side of my brick house. It gets sun most all day even in winter. I didn't mound them up. I just dug a hole for each crown and spread the roots in the hole and buried up to ground level. I let them seed and they provide a few new plants a year. Sometimes they sprout in adjacent beds if they are close enough.

[@lumpyslongshot2113]

Tuck approved. Right on. Love rewatching the older videos over and over. Learn so much.❤️❤️❤️

[@ryanoconnor8207]

Noiice! I do something similar! I spread the roots out in a 360 but I do it flat across the tops of my cloth pots and top dress. theres always settling that happens in pots so your soil level drops down and for watering theres usualy a few more inches of space at the top. just dig in the pot and check and you'll see the roots waaaay too far down, your loosing butt tons of root mass in the pot. When I 1st discovered my new technique i was taking already established plants pots and transplanting them to try to get more biomass in smaller available spaces but it really helps to train your roots for the hardiest possible plants. :)

[@jarretmoore3858]

Do you have a video on how you made the soil

[@brandonstout7529]

Dude your videos are rad! I love your enthusiasm. Keep teaching me about plants! I just bought a 170 acre farm in Littlefield AZ (zone 8), that has been in operation for cow farming since the early 1800's. It has over 5 fresh water springs, the virgin river running though it, and a another huge spring water irrigation line in place for flood irrigation. I have seemingly endless desert sprong water. I'm planning to start an organic farm with as many variations of vegetables/fruits I can! I want to eat healthier and help other on my community do the same. Know much about growing in the desert? I heard asparagus grows great there, as well as watermelon. I'm a semi newbie though, so I'm excited to learn! I've had dozens of gardens growing up so I'm not too intimidated either. Thanks again!!

[@gardentours]

Your asparagus bed looks great. There is nothing better than harvesting and eating it directly from the garden.