314 



PLANTING LIST 



May, without disturbing the roots. Raised in this way, a light 

 cutting can be taken the third year. 



If this is too troublesome, sow the seed outdoors in April, half an 



inch deep, in rows 

 eighteen inches 

 apart, thinly, and 

 thin the plants to 

 nine inches apart. 

 In the second 

 spring, transplant 

 into the permanent 

 places, and begin 

 to cut two years 

 later, when the 

 plants are begin- 

 ning their fourth 

 year. 



In thinning, dig 

 deep enough to 

 get the crown of 

 the plants. 

 Merely pulling the 

 shoots is not 

 enough. Aspara- 

 gus lives on big 

 storage roots, 

 which it forms at 

 the very first, and 

 which give 

 strength to make 

 more shoots. 



Soil for aspara- 

 gus should be as rich as possible, and should not be really wet. 

 It should be at least a foot in depth. Much manure should be 

 worked into the ground, and especially beneath the plants. At 

 the same time asparagus will do well in any good soil. Fertilize 



FIG. 175. Set stakes for young asparagus before 

 the plants are set. 



