VEGETABLE CULTURE. 



The three essentials everywhere to successful vegetable culture are, 

 first, (and at any price,) good seed, true to name; second, good soil; and 

 third, thorough cultivation. To these should he added another condition, 

 scarcely less important, viz : moisture, at all times when needed. The 

 last named requirement is what gives the gardener who has water, or 

 facilities for irrigation, an immense advantage over one who has not.' 



As to the matter of detail, the first and very important point to be 

 observed is to have the ground in a suitable condition for the crop to be 

 raised. This with reference to culture under the ordinary methods of 

 irrigation, means not only putting the soil in the right shape, but it 

 implies as well having the land graded, so that water can be readily run 

 to any part desired. This, to the grower of vegetables by means of arti- 

 ficial irrigation, is a very important item, and if neglected will be the 

 source of much annoyance and trouble later on. First, then, prepare the 

 ground thoroughly before planting. 



The scope of this work will not admit of giving instructions in 

 detail, and with the exception of the chapter on " Celery Culture " we are 

 necessarily limited to brief comments on the leading and best known pro- 

 ducts under this head. It may be said, however, that many or nearly all 

 familiar varieties do exceedingly well in this portion of the West, and as 

 a rule are profitable for the grower. For valuable information connected 

 with this subject I am indebted to my neighbor, Mr. C. E. Ward, a prac- 

 tical and skillful commercial gardener of large experience. 



ASPARAGUS. 



This is always a good crop and very desirable. It can be grown 

 either from seed or roots. It requires about four years to get a good 

 stand from seed, hence it is considered better to plant roots. One-year 

 plants are probably best, although two-year plants are often set. In pre- 

 paring ground manure heavily and sub-soil, if possible. 



For family use plant say one foot each way ; but for garden culture 

 plant four feet from row to row, and two feet apart in the row. 



