ASPARAGUS 31 



one plant rather than leave half a dozen fighting for 

 existence. 



Planting. One-, two- or even three-year-old roots 

 may be used. When they are the latter a little more 

 care is required. There are several ways of planting. 

 A simple one is to stretch a line at the distances 

 named, and draw out a drill with a wide hoe, and 

 then place the plants, spreading out the roots, and 

 taking care that they are not doubled but spread 

 out evenly, and covered over with, say, three or four 

 inches of soil. Another plan is to cut a trench as 

 if laying Box, and place the roots fan shaped. There 

 must be no crowding. Another good way is to plant 

 on the top of a ridge of good soil, and cover with 

 soil from the alley, lightly treading over the roots upon 

 each side of the ridge when the covering soil is 

 in position. Plants are also placed on the surface 

 of the bed, and then covered with good soil, but 

 this is not advisable, as such plants have, as they 

 attain age, a tendency to force themselves out of 

 the soil, with the result that the crown gets dry 

 and suffers. If three-year-old plants are used, set 

 to work quickly, not allowing the roots to become 

 dry. Two-year-old roots are preferable, but what- 

 ever is used lift carefully, damp over and plant as 

 soon as possible, getting the ground ready in advance. 

 Should dry weather follow planting give plenty of 

 water, and in light soils, especially when the roots 

 are planted late, newly planted beds are benefited 

 by a mulch of short litter. Asparagus may be got 



