You’re Killing Your Asparagus if You Do This, 5 MISTAKES You Can’t Afford to Make Growing Asparagus

GROW AN ASPARAGUS PATCH THAT WILL FEED YOU FOR THE NEXT 20+ YEARS! Don't make these 5 mistakes when growing Asparagus or you will be left with thin stringy asparagus that never produce thick and juicy spears. Continue to make these mistakes and your patch could die off completely.
00:00 Intro
00:28 First Mistake
01:27 Second Mistake
03:21 Third Mistake
4:27 Fourth Mistake
05:21 Fifth Mistake
06:47 Important Facts about Asparagus
08:05 Tuck and Me Eating Raw Asparagus
09:07 Final Thoughts
Thanks for the kind words and support 😁🐕❤️
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[@goodgnarfun]

One of my most anticipated areas is the asparagus patch. My best advice to anyone who recently bought a home is get in your fruit trees, grapes, berries, asparagus, rhubarb, and other edible perennials ASAP!

[@marymcgee141]

That's exactly what we did. With all of those things. I planted rhubbarb and grapes this year. I planted blackberries, apple trees, pear trees, peach tree, plum tree, pawpaws, Asparagus, and figs last year.

[@thehillsidegardener3961]

We bought our land 6 years ago and I immediately planted asparagus from SEED (I didn't have anywhere to buy crowns at the time) and only this year have I picked a few decent-sized shoots. Glad I did it - the best time to plant a tree and all that.

[@kimnielsenthewordyvikingett159]

Extremely smart and useful suggestion!!!

[@tomtomreidjackson3775]

If you love asparagus you wanna go and find a wild hair loom variety that’s about 15 to 20 years old naturally immune to all asparagus diseases and will produce a lot more than what you buy at any store and if you get them from the wild it might be a female anyone’s buying seen a modified to be males only

[@Jim26D]

Good advice. After 5 years of moving my berries bushes are now a forest , my pear and apple trees are starting to produce its first fruits, my lemon tree has the first blooms, the mulberries just started, cherries been blooming the last 2 years still waiting on the artic kiwi though. It sounds intimidating but time flies. Was going start asparagus today, a little late in the season but thought I'd give them s shot

[@Steve-od6hi]

ROTFLOL, you ate the whole end that your dog chewed on, and left the other half in your other hand. Then you fed the half you saved for yourself to the dawg, dude you're a riot!

[@MrChappy10]

Tip: when you are preparing your asparagus for a meal, don't just cut off the end if you think it's too tough. Instead use a vegetable peeler to get past the outer bark. You will find this to be just as delicious and tender as the head.

[@biblicalprepping]

Thanks for that! I did not know - my mom taught me years ago to do the same for broccoli stems - I now dice those and put ni a freezer bag. Perfect for steamed or broccoli soups.

[@southwesthomestead1234]

Awesome tip!

[@carter_1]

Really!? My mom's patch is over 50 yrs.o (from her mom's patch...add another 30 yrs) and they didn't even know that!! So it's not stringy underneath if you peel it?

[@carter_1]

​@biblicalprepping I do that too!

[@jhjln8712]

@@carter_1No, there’s a tender juicy center inside of the stringy outer layer.

[@roshansiwakoti5883]

Tuck is an absolute menace to these asparagus lmao

[@octagon12011]

My current asparagus bed has been going for 27 years and is still as productive as ever. I've been cutting spears below ground level for 45 years with no problems.

[@southernpoop]

Yeah I've never heard this. I've always cut them below ground bc it was what I was told. I wish he at least explained the reasoning there to cut above the ground. How does it risk it's health? ground cooties? I'm thinking my dad just cut them below ground bc it was always hard to keep up w/ them.

[@ohcrapwhatsnext]

​@@southernpoopi agree. I added about 3 inches of cow compost and i cut down with my hook knife for years. I have 150 foot row 3 ft wide, loaded.

[@williamparrish921]

Me too. Been doing asparagus for over 40 years.

[@jodywhitehead9173]

When I leased 20 acres (1/2 of an old asparagus farm) the crowns were already 45 years old and 6 feet in diameter. University researchers came to do field studies to understand how it could still be producing. It was an old varietal called Martha Washington from back when food crops were bred for flavour instead of primarily yield and shelf life. When I first. took over my lease people would drive up to 200km to buy this very special asparagus. When I started attending farmers markets people would line up in 20-30+ persons lineups. Despite charging double, the other growers couldn't sell their asparagus once I was there. The point being, try to source a heritage variety. Lower yields but superior quality. The old time growers used to call it grass. As far as his recommended picking technique, we referred to it as snap picking. This method provides harvested spears that are all tender, and, as he states fat spears are the most tender. This was my harvesting technique, although, most commercial farms harvest by cutting below the ground. That is why your retail asparagus has that woody bottom (save it for soup stock). If you have a large patch and plan to have a significant harvest make sure you wear rubber gloves. The juice will result in your fingers being blackened, cracked and bleeding. His other planting and cultivation methods are applicable to home hobbyists but likely too labour intensive for large commercial plantings. Fresh raw asparagus tastes like extra sweet and juicy snow pea pods. Great in salads. Pickled, stir fried with bbq duck a touch of rice wine vinegar, garlic, and 5 spice powder. Soups, omelettes with gruyere cheese (I like it precooked to be more tender in this case), the list is endless. I'm not a huge fan of frozen asparagus, except for casseroles or soups, we always pickled it for off season use. Better than celery or pickled beans in Caesars. In Europe they love white asparagus. Even short exposure to sunlight will turn the spears green. To produce it you need to mound straw over your beds. Very labour intensive and you need to get out in the garden early in the day.

[@cindymitchell1142]

When you cut above ground the exposed stalk emits an odor that will attract asparagus beetles. If you don't want to deal with the beetles cut just below the soil line.

[@emptynestgardens9057]

Oh happy accident. I hadn't yet pulled the straw off my beds. We had a crazy heatwave beginning of April and my thought process was shading to keep them cooler. I didn't realize I was keeping the ground cold thus stopping them from pushing up. Now that the weather has cooled down I will be going and pulling the straw back to heat up the soil. Tuck going after those spears is like me with a bag of chips 😂

[@beckyminnich8803]

Hello! OK, you talk fast, not much warm chat (so I can get 2 know you mo betta) no music, little to no cinematography...I LOVE IT. What a relief. Subscribed ♡

[@cindytennessee]

James, I planted 3 two-year old crowns this year. They are starting to fern. I’m so proud. Looking forward to eating a few stalks next year! Thank you for making asparagus easy for me to grow! 🤠Hats off to the teacher!

[@peaslead]

I just planted 2 year old crowns a week ago. Did you harvest much the year you planted it?

[@tanaakson5541]

Hilarious little Tuck ❤ I love the jump cut when Tuck is about to go for his umpteenth spear and then appears by your side in the next second but that spear has been taken 😂

[@jamesprigioni]

😂

[@NicoleFitnessYouTube]

😂😂😂

[@jimmycodmw2]

😂 i thought that was cute also

[@ttjciluk]

Healthy little silkie, eats vegetables🐶🐕🐩🐶😁

[@Thorn99855]

Tuck is a blink dog confirmed. That was extra cute.

[@explorer430]

Just a helpful suggestion ...you can also grasp the base of the stalk as close to the ground as possible then firmly push down and twist the stalk to release it from the crown below ground level without breaking the stalk. This helps avoid bugs entering a broken stalk at or below ground level

[@jeannedinovo5543]

WE ALLOW OUR PLANTS TO GO INTO THE FERN STAGE WHEN THE SPEARS BECOME PENCIL THIN. THEY ARE STRINGY AND TOUGHER WHEN THIN ANYHOW, SO NO BIG LOSS. THE FATTER THE SPEAR, THE MORE TENDER IT IS, IMHO. AND TO DISCOURAGE THOSE PESKY LITTLE STRIPED ASPARAGUS BEETLES, WE SHAKE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH LIBERALLY OVER THE WHOLE PATCH. IT DESICCATES ALL TYPES OF INSECTS NOT JUST BEETLES.

[@qwertyuiop273]

Research Alton Brown cooking asparagus. Fresh has a handful of nutrients but cooked it has over 150 nutrients-- amazing. He educates us in such a fun way. Hope you look it up-- Good Eats. Never have I seen a dog love veggies like him. Mine loved fresh green beans right of the bush but that was it. Just had to plant a new patch, 175 plants so far. The old patch was over 25 years old and just gave out. Going to try your tips on keeping it going better, Never knew the berry ferns should be removed.

[@TheDarktater]

I dug a trench for my parents 29 years ago as punishment for some high school shenanigans. They are still getting an amazing harvest every year. One of the first things I did at our newer house here was dig a trench of asparagus. It is finally really taking off and tastes so good.

[@myjewelry4u]

My late dad used to grow asparagus in his garden and was so proud! So many conversations about asparagus, it became a family joke. We all love it, but if I saw a refrigerator magnet that was asparagus, I bought it!😂

[@earlwagner2479]

I am in my eighth year of harvesting asparagus. I kid you not some of the asparagus or as big as small cigars so sweet and delicious a couple years ago. I had an issue with asparagus beetles, but the cooler weather the last couple years has really helped I have already blanched and frozen for later in the season. It’s a must grow for any gardener.

[@angelathomas9238]

The sound of that crunch is so dreamy.

[@andielliott7721]

"Safer to have the dog eat the top of it!" LOL ROTFL Too funny!

[@kele1264]

7:47 I can smell it! I thought everyone could, it's such a strong smell! So interesting!!!! Thanks, James! I really like the new merch design! Have a great weekend!

[@candidegunn3624]

4 or 5 years ago I got a couple packs of asparagus seeds in a grab bag and had no idea what to do with them so I sprinkled them on top of a 10 gallon garden bag and forgot about them. It looked like every seed germinated! When they were about a foot tall, hubby transplanted them into a flowerbed and they have grown ever since.

[@wendyburston3132]

Wow thanks for the idea

[@shelleyrenee4889]

Happy to see Tuck enjoying your bounty ! Thanks for sharing all of your gardening knowledge.!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo!! Thanks Shelley! And you're welcome my friend 😁

[@sunshine-oh7to]

Watching the video now and just wanted to comment on how much I love your garden. I’m in NJ as well and your my go to gardener. I’ve learned so much from you. Thanks for sharing all the wisdom!!

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo! Me and Tuck are glad to hear that and we appreciate the kind words and encouragement. 😁🐕❤️

[@dizzysdoings]

Where in Jersey are you? I'm also in Jersey.

[@bluefeatherhomestead]

Great tips! Mine grew for 3 years and then stopped. I now know why. 😮 I will know next time. Thank you for sharing. ~Sammie

[@GreenLove1]

I don't think there is any video on the internet about asparagus as full of information as this one. You answered pretty much all the questions I have ever had, as well as some that I did not but should have! Thanks so much! Tuck is as adorable as ever!

[@ihopeugrow]

I wintersowed 2 varieties of asparagus 2 years ago. They are currently still in 1 gallon water bottles. This past early March, I found little tiny spears, toothpick width. That was interesting.

[@JenB.188]

This was the most comprehensive video about asparagus that I've seen. And, Tuck is beyond too cute.

[@JohnTomasella]

All excellent advice. Same advice I've gotten from my dad years ago when he bought me asparagus roots from Lancaster.

[@sgtrickards5683]

My asparagus is coming up really nicely. Down here in Sussex County, Delaware. I'm into my 4th year of my food forest. Good tips on the asparagus. You said some stuff I didn't know about.

[@pennylaur7687]

I always eat mine raw straight from the ground. I never cook it, it's too good. I also eat most of my snap peas the same way. I need to plant more I guess. 😁

[@nancydrewsgarden]

I think Tuck ate the whole patch!!! Love this guy!!! Give the man a metal ❤❤❤

[@jamesprigioni]

He would have if I didn't move on sooner 🤣

[@timclark7507]

I grew all mine from seed. Worked great.

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

Thanks so much for this. I planted twelve crowns recently and realised from your film that I've done it wrong already!

[@tabp8448]

I planted asparagus a few years back because of one of your videos... I've had to move it a couple times to help it find its happy place, and now it's thriving!🌱🌱🌱 Love seeing Tuck still enjoying the harvest and helping to manage the garden. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ hearts for Tuck! ❣️❣️❣️

[@jeas4980]

I'm putting in a bed next week and I have 2 sites to chose from... one gets sun ALL day... the other gets about 6 hours but is very healthy well ammended super rich soil. I'm torn... can you give a little more detail about what made yours happiest?

[@tabp8448]

@@jeas4980 the first place I planted was too dry (above the French drains), the second place was too wet and didn't get quite enough sun (need some small drain put in that area as well), the final place was a raised bed (compost-amended airy soil) that gets about 8 hours of sunlight.

[@jeas4980]

@@tabp8448 Thank you... That is a huge help as one of those areas does hold water and gets less sun and the other is inexpensively and easily adapted to being a raised be. 🙏💚

[@toneenorman2135]

Is asparagus a plant that gophers like? We have lots of gophers and they get sooo much food if we put in the ground. I have some esparagus growing in pots but would love to put in the ground. Thank you.

[@DebRoo11]

​@@jeas4980 i have two patches in my yard. One is a dedicated raised bed where it's a little dry and full sun, the other is partial sun and a little wetter. Both spots grow well. The neat thing is, the full sun area gives an earlier harvest while the shadier spot starts about two weeks later. Kind of an extended harvest for me having the two areas

[@irenejones7485]

Great tips James! This is year 3 for us and we are so pumped!

[@jamesprigioni]

That's an exciting year Irene, your investment will finally be paying off with some delicious fresh spears!

[@SOILSISTA]

Good morning James, extending our food forest this year. We have a few vids up and would love for you to stop by and see what you have inspired....ty. stay blessed. Hugs for Tuck...

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

Thanks for the info! I recently sent one of your videos to my sister. She replies back, "Is that the guy with the sweet dog that eats veggies?" Yup, thats the guy! ❤❤

[@marciawarden5021]

I planted some asparagus in bags last spring, this year we planted in ground one was from seed just to see if I could grow it the other was a crown I bought at Lowe’s. They did great and we’ll have some in salads next year! I also planted rhubarb and strawberries. I’m trying to help my son be self sufficient.

[@kefirheals7383]

Little Tuck is so adorable - as usual. I've never seen a dog love his veggies as much as Tuck. Love you Tuck! Oh - and those Asparagus spears looked so delicious!

[@angelamatlock6864]

Perfect timing! I knew not to harvest this 2nd year but wasn’t sure what to do with the big floppy fern. They fell over already. I guess support them??

[@wendyburston3132]

Oh wow! Just as I was thinking of putting some in with flowers. Probably not a good idea🤔

[@brianburton1843]

You videos are always informative. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUK🎉🎉🎉

[@jamesprigioni]

Let's Gooo Brian! Thanks for the birthday wishes. Tuck has been a real menace lately now that he's a teenager 🤣

[@jeanmareeallen-xz7oe]

I am in yr 2 of my asparagus . I started them from seed. Thank you for this great info! 💚

[@lionscircle4700]

James, You've inspired me. Just ordered twenty UC 157 asparagus crowns Waiting 4 years until first harvest....

[@dancnluc1]

WOW, I have never seen a dog that loved asparagus like Tuck does. I have been growing asparagus for going on 9 years. I love eating them raw. I heard you mention he loves carrots. Years ago, I had a dog who loved raw potatoes and carrots. Great tips on the asparagus

[@2fathomsdeeper]

Our dog used to pick her own apples.

[@judylee1860]

This is my asparagus’ 5th or 6th year. It’s been producing those thin ones up until recently. Last year I did as you are saying here to do. Over winter the crown has gotten huge! Also about a month ago I fed it. It’s first handful of spears this year were thin but tender and delicious. Now for the first time it is producing tall fat but still tender and delicious spears. I’m so happy about this and have bought a shade cloth to help it keep from bolting when the temps start heating up. I do too “graze” the asparagus while I’m out in the garden. It is so delicious. Mmmm m. Homegrown. There is nothing like it. And it’s so good for us. I’ve noticed thyme and dill loves to companion grow with the asparagus. Also the healthier the plant becomes the less likely beetles will go after it. Thanks for bringing up asparagus. It is the best.

[@lindaharbison9616]

We planted our patch probably a foot deep following the same covering process you used 20 years ago. They are still producing!! We break them off…it also helps to break them to not cut off the woody hard part. They Love rock salt! We let the tops(ferns) winter over and clean them off early early spring and they do great! Great video!! BYW my shi tzu also eats his own from the patch!!

[@tonileigh8660]

Tuck sure loves his asparagus! I just started harvesting my first asparagus and planted more new crowns this year too.

[@1phloxy]

It tastes nothing like store bought ! Homegrown is so much better. ❤

[@lisaskilton3746]

great tips on asparagus. am new to growing and grew from seed last year so produced ferns only last year which I cut down in autumn. i have moved them this year from inside poly tunnel to outside which they seem happy because they have produced spears this year but will not harvest for another 2 years!

[@SharonCurtis7]

Your joy is inspiring!

[@jdbfortney]

I had to fence mine in because my dalmatian Kali ate all of them last year! 😂 I could figure out why they weren't growing!

[@cherriebaars3971]

I'm in Australia in a hot humid climate and my leaves never die off they just keep growing. Mine are 4 yrs old now and I just cut them back while still green but within a week I have heaps of spears but I did do a top dress if compost.

[@melissa296]

I love the relationship you and tuck have! Amazing

[@Uainebmd]

Your energy is infectious. Thank you for the smiles!

[@ClickinChicken]

Asparagus is time consuming, but an investment like you said. Love your skip step into video. Ure enthusiasm is contagious! My next dog (IF) will be a lap dog, like Tuck! Safe and well!

[@SuperSherry1957]

Love the crunch

[@acrad7187]

Thank you for these wonderful growing tips!

[@jrobarnett]

My asparagus is just now growing and I got one nice long one and there’s a couple more coming up. I’m so happy you made this video today. Thank you my brother.

[@robburke8867]

As always, another great informative video!

[@darrencorrigan8505]

Thanks, Gardening Channel.

[@rmlrhonda]

We've been growing asparagus for a few years now, and people are always amazed at the ferns late in the season. They are always asking what they are! And the asparagus is soooo good!

[@judysocal8682]

Thanks for the tips. This is my second time trying to grow asparagus. I have some crowns and am also trying a variety from seed developed for my zone, 10. It is exciting to see the spears come up and frustrating to realize I have to wait a year or two before I can start sampling.

[@CherieNorquay]

Great video. Love Tuck's enthusiasm!

[@douglasnevill1273]

Thanks for the great content James.

[@reneemeyers8342]

Favorite gardening channel, hands down!

[@sonnyamoran7383]

Thanks so much for the info. ❤❤❤❤❤ for Tuck!!

[@michaelclapper6312]

Thanks for another video, cant wait to use this information!

[@rahjayne]

Tuck is so darn cute! Love how much he loves his veggies. ❤

[@bees3847]

Really great content once again

[@TuckerBrown-oq6pq]

James, thanks for giving us all these wonderful tips! I started watching you last year and you have helped me to get some of the best harvests ever!😁😁

[@cindyspiess9963]

nice to see you and Tuck , Thanks for good info , always ! 💚 🌱

[@janicemiles7907]

I have had mine in a large pot for over 10 years. I'm excited to see how they will do once I finally get them planted in the garden.

[@jend4128]

Thanks for the great info Prigioni! 😃

[@bethsands7665]

Oh yeah, I can smell it ! Nice information, sweet Tuck and lovely growing so fresh.

[@joannsudderth664]

So excited to finally get started growing asparagus

[@tjporter5222]

I always enjoy time with you and Tuck, I'm learning so much. Thanks

[@MrHendy89]

He’s so passionate I love it. Got me into gardening!!

[@cdavid2486]

Love the information. Thank you!

[@lindakrieger6667]

Love your channel and Tuck!

[@tacoma1309]

Thanks for the review and primer on planting. There is really no comparing store bought asp to good ol' home grown! Thanks for the tips!!

[@im2dirty4u]

did not know this! thanks James!

[@terrykunst3883]

TUCK has good taste❤. Awesome to see you harvesting😊

[@AnnikaOBrien]

I’ve got 20 healthy asparagus plants growing me lots of spears right now! Perfect timing to educate folks on this wonderful crop!

[@qkcmnt1242]

What are your secrets, Annika? Do you like his trench work plan? Highly prepared beds sound the most advantageous. Should we plant them in the shade or in the full sun? Western South Carolina.

[@deniseolczak2519]

Absolutely love your enthusiastic opening! Draws me right in every time. Always learn something new. Thank you!

[@bear9923]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. THANKS

[@wendyburston3132]

Enjoyed reading your comment section. Great content

[@Grits_and_Glamour]

Our Bloodhound mix LOVES asparagus too ❤

[@HEOEvgeny]

Thank you very much for such insightful and knowledgeable.

[@sharimuhamad5905]

Thank you very much for the tips❤

[@lindaneese4003]

I loved the video. Beautiful dog. I needed this information. Thank you.

[@maureenparran8918]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@LaurieShafer-ik7ho]

Thank you James and Tuck. you have helped me so much!

[@barbarafritchie2000]

Just started another patch last year at new property. Love your channel.

[@kellycarter2497]

Hey James and Tuck! This will be our 1st year planting asparagus. Thanks for all the good information. We've learned a lot from you. We've planted apple trees, many berry bushes. Getting the food Forest rolling!

[@Sparklesuz]

I really appreciate your knowledge and how you explain things. I have a one year asparagus patch from roots. Patiently awaiting it's development!

[@grathome]

Thank you, this video is very informative. My asparagus bed is four years old, your advice will give me a better harvest in the coming years.

[@jamesprigioni]

Let’s Gooo Angela!

[@carolschedler3832]

Staggered harvest!! Thank you!

[@ajalicea1091]

I have never seen the female plants. My Asparagus bed has plenty of male plants 😊 I have been doing what you have said for several years. My biggest problem is trying to keep the fire ants out.

[@sherrymurphy-kleine4592]

Fresh, new asparagus is my favorite treat in the spring garden!

[@katherinehager7044]

Perfect timing. I’m just about to put some asparagus crowns in. I was going to look for one of your older videos, so thank you for this!

[@abcjody]

Great info!!! Hi Tuck 🐾

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Team Tuck! Thanks for this latest video. My wife loves asparagus and I want to have some planted in our garden by the time she gets out of hospital. I think it will be a nice surprise. I only plant those edibles that have the Tuck Everlasting approval. Cheers!

[@shapiemau2244]

Amazing how much your dog loves this Vege! 😊 Good info James as I have just planted mine this year so I have a long time to wait before reaping the fruits of my labour. Thank you!

[@corinneyeager]

Thank YOU for all this teaching ❣️