FEB.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 



Forcing Asparagus. 



Hot-beds for forcing early asparagus, may be made any time this 

 month, for which purpose you must be provided with proper plants ; 

 these are previously raised in the natural ground from seed, as 

 hereafter directed, which being transplanted from the seed-bed into 

 others duly prepared for their reception, and having two or three 

 years growth there, they then are of the proper size and strength 

 for forcing. But observe, that in those parts of the Union where 

 the ground is subject at this season to be bound up by frost, pre- 

 vious precaution will be necessary, in order to secure a supply of 

 plants when wanted for this purpose ; therefore, before the setting 

 in of the severe winter frost, cover a sufficient number in the beds 

 wherein they are growing, with as much dry litter or leaves of 

 trees, &c. as will effectually keep the ground from being frozen, so 

 that you can remove it, and take up the plants conveniently when 

 wanted. 



Or you may, on the approach of severe frosts, take up a sufficient 

 quantity with as little injury to the roots as possible, which may be 

 planted in sand or dry earth in a warm cellar, in the same man- 

 ner as directed for planting them in the frame, covering their 

 crowns about an inch, observing not to croud the plants for fear of 

 their becoming mouldy ; and in mild weather ventilate the cellar as 

 often as possible, to prevent any bad effect to the roots from stag- 

 nant air : but when it can be done, it will be much better to take up 

 the plants out of their beds according as you want them. 



The necessary quantity for a three-light frame is from three to 

 four hundred plants, and so in proportion for any number of frames ; 

 the plants in such beds ought to be set very close, in order that by 

 having as many as possible in each frame, they may produce a pro- 

 portionable supply, to recompence sufficiently for the trouble and 

 expense of forcing them. 



A bed for this purpose is to be made in like manner as those di- 

 rected for cucumbers in pages 4 and 5, but very substantial ; then 

 put on the frame, and earth it all over six or seven inches deep, for 

 the immediate reception of the plants. 



The bed being made and earthed as above, and a sufficient quantity 

 of plants in readiness, proceed to planting by raising at one end a 

 small ridge of earth about three or four inches high, against which 

 place a row of plants close to one another, drawing some earth to 

 the bottom of the roots ; then place others against these in the 

 same manner, and so continue till the frame is full ; all having their 

 tops or crowns upright, and of an equal level. When the whole 

 bed is thus planted, cover the crowns of the roots all over with light 

 rich earth, about two inches deep, which concludes the work for the 

 present. 



You may now put on the lights, which are to be kept open, rais- 

 ed high behind, or slided down every day, except in very severe 

 weather, but at night let them be closed : give all the air possible so 

 that you do not suffer the earth in the bed to be frozen or chilled, by 



