68 ASPARAGUS 



lands a two-horse disk-wheel cultivator, with two disks 

 on each side, going astride of each row and throwing 

 up fresh soil upon the ridge, proves more effe(5live. 

 The same implements are used for renewing the ridges 

 during the cutting season, which will be required 

 about once a week, as the rains beat them down and 

 the sun bakes a crust upon the top. 



Immediately after the cutting season is over the 

 ridges are leveled, by plowing a furrow from each side 

 of the center (Fig. 20), after which the land is har- 

 rowed crosswise until the surface is level and smooth. 

 As long as pra(5tical, surface cultivation should be 

 given, especially after rains, but usually at this time 

 the plants make such rapid and vigorous growth that 

 there will be little time for the work. Their tops and 

 branches soon fill the entire space and quickly shade 

 the ground so densely as to keep down weed growth. 

 Of course, whatever tall weeds may spring up here 

 and there have to be pulled out b}' hand. 



FALL TREATMENT 



The fall clearing of the plantation is an important 

 part of asparagus culture. As soon as the berries are 

 turning red — but not before — the stalks should be cut 

 off even with the ground. If left longer the berries 

 will drop off, their seeds will soon become embedded 

 in the ground and fill the soil with .seedling asparagus 

 plants, which are about the most obstinate weed in the 

 asparagus bed. If cut sooner they are not sufficiently 

 matured, and the roots are deprived of their nouri.sh- 

 ment. All the brush should be removed at once to an 

 open field and burned, so as not to provide lodging- 



