8o FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



the crowns are carefully covered by hand with a 

 couple of inches of rich gritty soil. Some of the soil 

 from the ridges on each side (see fig. 17) is then spread 

 over the trenches to a depth of 5 or 6 in. 



Summer Treatment. During the summer months it 

 will be necessary to keep the weeds down between the 

 rows by frequent and careful use of the hoe, and 

 occasional soakings with water will also be beneficial 

 during very dry weather. About the end of September 

 or early in October, when the stems have begun to 

 wither, they may be cut down almost level with the 

 ground. The soil is then carefully scooped away from 

 the crown of each plant so as to form a circular basin 

 about 8 in. in diameter. A little heap of some 

 rich gritty soil and well-decayed manure and night 

 soil is then placed in the basin over each crown, to 

 serve as a fresh supply of nourishment for the roots, 

 and also to throw off cold and heavy rains during the 

 winter months. When performing this operation the 

 spots where any plants have failed should be marked 

 with a stick so that fresh plants may take their place 

 the following year. 



The ridges between the beds (see fig. 17) may be 

 utilised during the first season for the production of 

 early Potatoes, Dwarf Beans, Lettuces, and other 

 salads if necessary, but late-maturing crops should be 

 avoided. 



Second Years Work. At the end of March or early 

 in April, all vacant places having been replanted, the 

 surface of the beds is lightly pricked up with a flat- 

 tined fork so as to bury the manure placed over the 

 crowns in the autumn. At the same period the ridges 

 between the Asparagus trenches are dug over and 



