VEGETABLE GROWING IX NEW SOUTH WALES. 



37 



.shoots are cut when about 7 inches high, cutting about 2 inches below the 

 surface. An intermediate method is to cut when about 4 inches high, and 

 about the same distance below the surface ; the product is then half white 

 and half green. In this State green asparagus is the most popular. After- 

 cutting, the stalks should be subjected to as little exposure as possible in 

 the fields. When the dirt has been rinsed off, they should be tied into 

 bunches with raffia, fibre, or string. If for local market, one string is 

 sufficient ; if to travel any distance, two are preferable. The stalks should 

 be graded into different qualities. A bunching appliance will be found 

 useful in preparing for market. If the bunches are to be kept over night, 

 they should be dipped in clean water and stood on end upon clean straw 

 which has been thoroughly wetted. 



Manuring. 



Asparagus, to be profitable, should be forced, and quick -growing, succulent 

 shoots should be aimed at. To ensure these, the manuring must be liberal. 

 Large quantities of farmyard manure mixed throughout the lower layers of 



Average bunches of Asparagus grown at Bathurst Experiment Farm. 



the soil are not necessary, excepting when required to ameliorate heavy 

 soils. Fifty or sixty tons of well-rotted farmyard manure to the acre is a 

 fair dressing, and can be applied most economically after the stems are 

 taken off in autumn. It should be well rotted previously, to destroy seeds 

 of weeds. Applications of commercial fertilisers should be made in the 

 spring, directly after the cutting is finished, and prior to cultivation. Ap- 

 plications of the following manure have given good results upon many soils : 

 250 Ib. nitrate of soda, 400 Ib. superphosphate, and 150 Ib. muriate or chloride 

 of potash, per acre. 



Common salt is now but little used by commercial growers ; the application 

 of such manures as nitrate of soda and chloride of potash has to some extent 

 taken its place. Salt is apparently of more use for keeping weeds in check 

 than as a plant manure. 



