plants. That which is sown broadcast should be cultivated 

 into the soil at least three inches deep. 



Asparagus 



The Weed 

 Growth 



Less 



Nitrogen 



Required 



for 



Legumes 



"The American Agriculturist'' states: 



"New Jersey growers of asparagus have found out what 

 Southern growers were long ago compelled to put into 

 practice, — that commercial fertilizers are far better for 

 asparagus than stable manure ; not that stable manure will 

 not make fine asparagus, but because of the impossibility 

 of keeping down the weed growth when manure is used." 



Asparagus needs active, forcing plant food, which manure 

 does not supply unless it has been composted. Probably nine- 

 tenths of the asparagus is grown on commercial manures which 

 produce the succulent, tender growth desired. In starting new 

 plants or making new asparagus fields, apply from 600 to 800 

 lbs. per acre in the drills or furrows, very thoroughly mixed 

 with the soil. To old fields apply, early in the spring, from 

 1,200 to 2,000 lbs. per acre between the rows and cultivate it 

 in. 



Peas and Beans 



Peas and beans belong to the clover family (legumes), and 

 do not require as much fertihzer, or at least a fertiHzer as rich 

 in nitrogen, as do most other crops. Therefore, an application 

 of 500 to 1,000 lbs. of fertilizer rich in phosphoric acid and pot- 

 ash, sown broadcast and harrowed into the soil, is usually 

 sufficient for peas and beans. These crops have an extensive root 

 system and will gather plant food in every part of the soil and 

 especially deep in the soil. It is known that alfalfa, which belongs 

 to this family, will send down a root 20 or 30 feet for water, 

 putting out lateral feeders at upper levels. For this reason peas 

 and beans, the clovers and alfalfa are great "catch" or "cover" 

 crops, and are valuable in rotation. 



Strawberries and Small Fruits 



Stable manure is a pretty good thing with which to start a 

 strawberry bed, but after it is started, active fertiHzers are 

 needed to encourage a rapid growth. The strawberry is an 



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