Cultivation of the Asparagus Bed 45 



markets, however, prefer the green shoots cut above 

 ground, and the grower must accommodate his practice 

 to the demands of the market. For family use, the 

 green shoots are preferred. 



For cutting the white shoots, a knife is made for the 

 purpose, but it may be done with any knife having a 

 strong, long blade. Care must be exercised not to 

 destroy young shoots just starting, nor to injure the 

 crowns. If green shoots are desired, the crowns need 

 not be covered so deeply. If covered only a few inches, 

 cuttings may be had much earlier than from deeply cov- 

 ered crowns. The beds should have a south or south- 

 east exposure. 



No cuttings should be made from the first year's 

 growth, but all plants left to assist in a fall root devel- 

 opment. As soon as the plants above ground are killed 

 by frost, the stalks should be cut close to the ground 

 and removed, to prevent seed from falling. These, if left 

 to fall on the ground, become troublesome weeds the 

 next year. 



The asparagus plant is a gross feeder, and there is no 

 danger of excessive manuring. The whole surface may 

 now be covered with manure, to be worked into the soil 

 over and between the rows early in February. The 

 proper cultivation will be encouraged if some quick- 

 growing crops are planted between the rows the first 

 and second years. Early cabbage transplanted early in 

 February, beets, bunch beans, lettuce or radishes are 

 suitable crops for this purpose. A few strong shoots 

 may be cut the second year if all small shoots are left to 

 grow to sustain the roots. Cutting, however, must be 



