ASPARAGUS 



19 



water to settle the earth, and allowed to drain away 

 before firming, will be beneficial. (While the water is 

 draining, a second plant can be set, covered and 

 watered. Return to the first, firm the earth and mulch 

 it; set a third plant before finishing the second.) 



Time of setting. Fall setting is occasionally 

 practiced; spring setting is usual. Set in the 

 fall when the tops are thor- 

 oughly dry. Set in spring 

 as soon as possible after the 

 ground is fit. 



Before setting, the plants 

 should be kept from drying. 

 While Asparagus roots 

 do stand much neglect when 

 out of the ground, any drying is to their detriment. 

 Until planting, they should be kept moist; if raised 

 at home, only a few should be dug at a time, and these 

 should be covered from wind and sun, carried to their 

 permanent positions, and set at once. 



Staking. It is a good practice, easily followed on 

 small areas, to stake each plant. Set inch stakes or 

 strong bamboos before covering the roots. When the 

 tops are well up, tie them loosely to the stakes, and tie 

 again as they grow. The wind, moving the tops, can- 

 not loosen the crown in the earth. After the first year 

 staking is not necessary, except in exposed situations 

 where the wind may break the stalks. 



Fig. 10. Asparagus knife 

 and buncher. 



