Vegetables with Edible Leaves or Stems 125 



not do well in the greater part of Florida, though it is 

 grown to some extent in other southern states, and ex- 

 tensively in California. In the states where it is grown 

 for the New York markets, it is not uncommon to spend 

 from $300 to $600 an acre for fertilizer. Manure from 

 the large cities is employed to a considerable extent, and 

 chemical fertilizer may be used with profit. Asparagus 

 will not succeed without proper attention being given 

 to cultivation and fertilization, although the idea has 

 sometimes become current that it will do well under any 

 treatment, and that no attention is required except to 

 gather the crop. It may be grown for home use, to a 

 limited extent, as far south as central Florida. 



In selecting the field it should be moist and yet not wet ; 

 a water-soaked piece will not grow this crop. While it 

 wants an abundance of moisture, the soil must not be 

 sour. Wet land that has been drained often makes the 

 best plots. 



Preparation of the asparagus plot. 



Deep plowing, to loosen up the subsoil, is the first act 

 after the plot has been drained. Among the best growers, 

 the opinion is held that it is difficult to make the land too 

 rich, or have it too well prepared. The roots penetrate 

 the soil deeply and widely, as asparagus is a gross feeder. 

 The fertilizer usually employed contains much organic 

 matter, such as compost and rakings from yards ; this is 

 mixed thoroughly with the soil, and is often applied 

 before the plants are set out. After they have started, 

 a top dressing of potash and phosphoric acid is given. 

 When the plantation is made a considerable distance from 



