VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 33 



ARTICHOKE (JERUSALEM). 



This plant belongs to the sunflower family and grows to a height of 6 to 9 

 feet, resembling closely in appearance an ordinary sunflower with a miniature 

 flower. It produces a large cluster of rhizomes or tubers useful for culinary 

 purposes. (See accompanying illustration). 



The Jerusalem artichoke is very persistent in growth, and, if raised in 

 suitable soil, is difficult to eradicate. Enough tubers, as a rule, are left 

 each year to continue the crop ; hence it is 

 wise to set apart a permanent spot for it 

 odd corners or waste places of little value 

 for other crops. It is a crop that requires 

 little attention once it is established, and is 

 extremely hardy. While the best crops are 

 raised on good mellow loams, profitable 

 yields are secured on stiff clay, light sandy 

 or gravelly soils ; the land is best suited 

 where the drainage is good. In fact, any soil 

 suitable for potatoes will answer for arti- 

 chokes, but needs thorough cultivation. 



The tubers are planted by dropping them 

 into furrows 3 feet apart, with a space of A cluster of rhizomes. 



2 feet between each tuber. If the sets are 



small plant whole ; large ones may be cut. Cover by turning a furrow over 

 them. About 4 cwt. of tubers will plant an acre. 



The cultivator should be kept moving between the rows to conserve 

 moisture and keep weeds in check. 



The crop matures in about five months, and after flowering when the tops 

 droop and die, about April or May, it is ready for harvesting, but should 

 only be dug .as required. In frosty situations the tops should be left as 

 protection to the tubers which decay quickly if attacked. 



ASPARAGUS. 



Asparagus is a branching herbaceous plant, attaining a height of 5 to 6 

 feet. It is a perennial, possessing a large root-stock and fleshy roots, in 

 which it stores nutriment to tide it over the winter. It is upon the vigour 

 of this root-stock and root system that its value depends, for these send up, 

 upon the return of warm weather, quantities of young sprouts, which are 

 used extensively as a vegetable. Its period of most active growth is during 

 the summer, it being dormant throughout the winter. 



What are considered to be several distinct varieties are found among the 

 odible species. 

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