ASPARAGUS. 37 



WINTER DRESSING OF ASPARAGUS BEDS. 



About the beginning of November, if the stalks of Aspar- 

 agus turn yellow, which is a sign of their having finished 

 their growth for the season, cut them down close to the 

 earth, carry them off the ground, and clear the beds care- 

 fully from weeds. 



Asparagus beds must have an annual dressing of good 

 manure ; let it be laid equally over the beds, two or three 

 inches thick, after which, with a fork made for the purpose, 

 (which should have three flat tines,) dig in the dung quite 

 down to the crowns of the plants, by which means the roots 

 will be greatly benefited ; as the winter rains will wash the 

 manure down among them. It is the practice with some 

 gardeners to dig the alleys at every autumn dressing, and 

 cover the beds with the soil taken out ; this may be done for 

 the first two years after the beds are made, but not afterward ; 

 as, when the plants are in full growth, their roots and crowns 

 extend into the alleys, and digging them up frequently de- 

 stroys plants, or renders them too weak to produce buds in 

 perfection. The beds will be greatly benefited if covered 

 to the depth of several inches with leaves, sea-weed, or long 

 litter from the livery stables. 



The seedling Asparagus should also have a slight dressing, 

 that is, clear the bed from weeds, and then spread light dung 

 over it, to the depth of one or two inches, to defend the 

 crown of the plants from frost. 



SPRING DRESSING OF THE BEDS. 



This work should be done from about the latter end of 

 March to the middle pf April, or just before the buds begin 

 to rise. After clearing away all long litter, or whatever may 

 encumber the ground, spread the short dung over the whole 

 surface, and dig it in : if the alleys be dug at the same time, 

 it will be very beneficial to the plants. Care must be taken 

 at this season not to wound the crowns with the tines of the 

 fork, but forking the beds should not be neglected, as admit- 



