ASPARAGUS 241 



Much finer slioots may probably be obtained by I'ollowing tiie metliod of tlie 

 commercial Riiubarb establisliment: Construct a rough house over a bed planted 

 with that end in view. This is a good plan where a large supply is needed; but 

 it is not necessary for private use, if the roots are grown nearby, so that they are 

 not handled much; the method of lifting the roots and bringing them in as needed 

 cannot well be impro\ed upon. 



The forcing of Asparagus is very simple, as compared with that of other 

 vegetables, although the shoots are sometimes not of tiie highest grade. In 



The story of forced Asparagus is told in this picture, 



showing the delicate, succulent, young 



growths almost ready for use 



order to obtain the best results, the utmost care must be exercised in handling 

 the roots before they go into heat. If the soil where they are growing is of such 

 nature that a quantity can remain with the crowns, the growth will start much 

 stronger and yield a steady cut for a longer time. These roots should be forced 

 in a moderate temperature. Out in the open beds it is one of the first vegetables 

 to be gathered, showing plainly that it does not need a great amount of heat to 

 start into growth. 



I have seen Asparagus roots forced in the mushroomhouse, but while the 

 growth may come along all right, fla\or is not the same as when more light is 

 given. Different methods have been used in former years for growing Asparagus 

 out of season. It has even been planted in beds, with space enough between the 



