444 On Forcing Asparagus. 



Art. II. On Forcing Asparagus. By E. Sayers. 

 (^Concluded from p. 365.) 



In this stage of forcing depends the success of the produce. If 

 too much bottom heat is given, with water and little air, the buds 

 of the asparagus will start in a few days; and the consequence 

 will be, that the stalks will be small and white, and will not pos- 

 sess that flavor which is natural to them:* if the process is slow, 

 by a moderate bottom heat and plenty of air, night and day, then 

 the stalks will be stout, and will retain their natural flavor — there- 

 fore give plenty of air during the day; even take the sashes en- 

 tirely off when there is no frost, and the weather fine; and at all 

 times, in the early stage of forcing, give air during night: even 

 if a little frost is on the surface of the bed in the morning, before 

 the grass is started, it will do no harm. When the buds begin 

 to push, which can be ascertained on examining the crowns of 

 the roots, the bed may then have a good watering. 



If the bed is losing heat, which it will probably be at this time, 

 a lining may be applied of well worked horse manure and a por- 

 tion of oak leaves. The principal object, after the buds begin 

 to push, is to rather increase the bottom heat, and give as much 

 air as possible, but do not let them be frozen at this stage, which 

 would spoil their flavor. 



When the stalks are ready for the table, they may be taken 

 from the plant by pressing down the two fore-fingers close to the 

 stalk, to the crown of the root, when it is to be clenched by 

 them and wrenched from the crown. 



Where old asparagus beds are to be taken up in the spring, 

 the roots may be forced to good advantage. They should be 

 covered with sea-weed, manure, or leaves, in the fall, to keep 

 them from the frost. When the time of their forcing is at hand, 

 prepare a bed as before directed; when, in order to receive the 

 roots, uncover the beds and allow them to be frozen, slightly, on 

 the surface, so that the roots can be undermined and taken to the 

 bed in large pieces, as they grow together: put them on the sur- 

 face of the manure and thaw the earth moderately. By follow- 

 ing the method here described, the very best asparagus will be 

 the result. Yours, 



E. Sayers. 



Boston, J^ovemher, 1837. 



* The most general error in forcing this plant, is, that its vegetative 

 principle is started by too much heat when it is first planted; it is there- 

 fore slender — and after being kept in this state, close, it loses its color and 

 flavor; it is therefore insipid and tasteless. The principal advantage of 

 having this fine vegetable at the table at an early season is its fine appear- 

 ance and peculiar flavor, which can only be obtained by slow process 

 and plenty of air. — E. S. ' 



