not sure what prompted me to post that on this comment but i also know that most of the asparagus roots you buy in the stores are only a year old saving only that much time compared to starting yourself from seed. but there ARE websites with 2 and 3 year old roots to help get started harvesting sooner. along that vein one could also see growing asparagus as an investment since they can resell their excess older roots for more in those markets targetting impatient improptu gardeners.