Asparagus 



439 



grown for blanching, it should be planted somewhat 

 deeper than under ordinary conditions. Blanched as- 

 paragus is more popular in the Old World than here. 



Asparagus is sold in bunches 4 or 5 inches in diam- 

 eter. These are tied with soft cord or raffia, 

 although some growers now use rubber bands. 

 Usually the market requires that the butt end 

 of the bunch be cut off 

 square. An average bunch 

 is 7 to 9 inches long. 

 Asparagus "bunchers" 

 which are forms for hold- 

 ing the bunch and cord, and 

 a knife for cutting the butts 

 can be had of dealers in 

 gardeners' supplies. Fig. 

 140. 



One can buy asparagus plants of seedsmen. It is 

 usually better, however, to grow one's own plants, par- 

 ticularly if he has a rich piece of land and can give it 

 careful attention. The seed is sown in drills from a foot 

 to 18 inches apart and it is covered about an inch in 

 depth. The seeds may be soaked in warm water a day 

 before planting. The plants should be thinned to stand 

 3 or 4 inches apart in the row. Give frequent tillage 

 throughout the season. The following spring these 

 plants will be ready for setting in their permanent 

 places. Seedlings may be expected to vary consid- 

 erably. 



At 3x4 feet, 3,630 plants are required for an acre. These 

 plants should be secured from 1 pound of good seed, although 4-5 



Fig. 140. Asparagus buncher; also 

 knife or spud for cutting the 

 plants in the field. 



