38 KITCHEN-GARDENING. 



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 gar- 

 deners 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 afterwards. 

 When the plants are in full growth, their roots and crowns 

 extend into the alleys, and digging them up frequently will 

 destroy plants, or render 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. 

 Eemove the weeds, and then spread light dung over it, to the 

 depth of one or two inches, to defend the crown of the plants 

 from intense cold. 



SPRING DRESSING OF THE BEDS. 



This work should be done from about the latter end of 

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

 rise. After clearing away all long litter, spread the short dung 

 over the whole surface, and dig it in. If the alleys be dug at 

 the same time, it will be 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 

 admitting the sun and rain into the ground induces the plants 

 to throw up buds of superior size. To promote such a desirable 

 object, the ground should be kept clear of weeds at all seasons, 

 as these greatly impoverish the soil, and frequently smother 

 the plants. 



Every bed of Asparagus should be allowed to grow undis- 

 turbed, after the buds or stalks have been removed for a few 

 weeks ; otherwise the beds will not produce abundantly next 

 season. There is great danger of injuring the productiveness 



