248 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



Thongs may be started under glass in March or 

 April, and set out when well hardened, about May 1, 

 or when heavy frosts are past. Set thongs ordinarily 

 (not started), when the ground is fit. 



Thin seedlings as under Distances. Thin hills to one 

 plant. 



Set out seedlings or thongs as above, either at half 

 distances, the intermediate plants to be taken up for 

 forcing, or at the full spaces. 



Culture for the first year should be clean, no especial 

 care being needed. Mulch over winter, and in the 

 second spring transplant. 



Culture for the permanent plantation consists chiefiy 

 in cutting out all superfluous leaf-buds and all flower- 

 stalks. Cut in the early spring to three or four strong 

 buds, and occasionally during the year make sure that 

 no more have formed. A cluster of leaves comes from 

 each bud. Keep the surface of the soil in good condi- 

 tion, or mulch with manure, until the leaves cover the 

 ground. 



Fertilize. In the spring work into the ground well- 

 rotted manure. Occasionally during the year dress 

 lightly with nitrate of soda or liquid manure, though 

 in case of a manure mulch these will not be so neces- 

 sary. In August dress with a good general fertilizer. 

 It is an old habit to sow salt on the soil once a year, 

 but as in the case of asparagus the advantage is doubt- 

 ful. Kainit is preferable. 



