XI 



ASPARAGUS 



THE most important thing about growing 

 asparagus is to grow it. Put the young roots 

 into the ground, right side up; furnish food and 

 water; and you can scarcely keep asparagus from 

 growing. 



I should put the asparagus alongside the gar- 

 den, between the annual garden and the per- 

 ennials, the small-fruits and other plants that 

 remain in the ground over winter. Planning thus, 

 the regular garden care and cultivation will be 

 shared by the asparagus. Placed by itself, it is 

 likely to be forgotten and the weeds are bound 

 to grow and the grass is sure to creep in. Its 

 graceful feathery appearance adds much to the 

 beauty of the garden in summer ; and placed where 

 it is most likely to be cared for, its value will be 

 indefinitely increased. 



The garden will be thoroughly plowed in the 

 fall. Put in an extra quantity of well-rotted 

 manure along the strip being prepared for the 

 asparagus. Too much fertilizer can scarcely be 

 used, provided it is really well-rotted ; that is, so 

 completely disintegrated, broken up, that no live 



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