FORCING lOI 



where enough ground is available, three by one and 

 one-half or two feet would be still better. By pur- 

 chasing one-year-old plants a 3'ear's time may be 

 gained, but otherwise there are decided advantages in 

 raising one's own plants. During the following two 

 seasons the ground has to be kept in the best possible 

 tilth, and at the end of the third season from seed the 

 roots may be dug just before the ground is likely to 

 freeze. In lifting the roots it is important not to ex- 

 pose them to the drying influence of the sun and air 

 more than is unavoidable. It is also important to pre- 

 serve the entire clump inta(5l with as much soil adher- 

 ing to the roots and crown as possible. They are 

 then placed in a shed, pit, or cool cellar, and covered 

 with sand or soil to prevent their dr>'ing out. Mod- 

 erate freezing does not injure the roots, and some 

 growers think that it even adds to their forcing value. 



FORCING IN THE GREENHOUSE 



With florists the forcing of asparagus has this im- 

 portant advantage: that the income obtained from it is 

 nearly all gain, as the space under the benches, which 

 may thus be utilized, is of but little use for other pur- 

 poses. If the floor under the benches is soil this is 

 dug out so as to form a pit about a foot deep, or at 

 least a few inches deeper than the clumps are high. 

 Three or four inches of good rich soil is scattered over 

 the bottom, and upon this the clumps are placed close 

 together. Dry, mellow soil is then scattered between 

 and over the clumps, so that the crowns are covered 

 one or two inches, and given a thorough watering. If 

 blanched shoots are desired, the crowns will have to be 



