ASPARAGUS 27 



English Asparagus is of vastly better flavour and 

 quality in every way. For many years our system 

 of growing this vegetable was confined to one method, 

 that of narrow beds, the seeds were sown like Mus- 

 tard and Cress, and the seedlings grown so thickly 

 that it was impossible for the plants to attain proper 

 size through their crowded condition. 



Soils and Situations. There can be no question 

 whatever that Asparagus relishes a rich sandy allu- 

 vial soil, and, although it has been grown success- 

 fully on ground different to this, the results have not 

 been so satisfactory, when labour and material are 

 taken into account. Any soil therefore that is at all 

 stiff and retentive of moisture should have materials 

 to lighten and improve it. Large masses of wet 

 animal manure in this case would do but little good. 

 Some of the large market growers near the Metropolis 

 who grow this vegetable well use road-scrapings and 

 Thames sand freely when making new beds or quarters, 

 an appropriate term, as the plants are grown in long 

 rows and given ample space. The beds should be 

 freely exposed in every way, but, if possible, given 

 protection from strong winds which are injurious 

 when top growth is heavy ; as if the tops are twisted 

 growth unfortunately stops. In private gardens time 

 is gained if small beds can be made on sheltered 

 borders, but only sufficient to bring forward a few 

 early dishes, as the best crops will be secured from 

 open quarters. Although the roots enjoy the soil 

 advised they are impatient of drought. The best 



