Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have the ability to enhance growth and establishment by reducing stress ethylene, or providing exogenous indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), nitrogen, iron, or phosphorus. In previous greenhouse studies, PGPR inoculation of asparagus seeds or seedlings enhanced growth under optimal and water stress conditions. Experiments were conducted in this study to determine if PGPR could provide benefits to transplanted crowns and germinating seeds in the field. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria did not positively affect shoot height, count, or diameter of inoculated crowns, or percent germination and seedling dry weight of inoculated seeds. The limitations of using PGPR in the field and potential for future success are discussed.Key words: Asparagus officinalis, Pseudomonas , water stress, drought, irrigation