ASPARAGUS 49 



Methods of Planting 



Fertilizing. — The methods of planting recom- 

 mended formerly by all, and still required by most, 

 writers on this subject have been expensive both in 

 dressing and in labor. A detailed study of the as- 

 paragus plant and its habits shows that much of 

 this labor and fertilizer has probably been wasted. 



Asparagus should be harrowed and fertilized when strawberries are 

 ripe. No more asparagus should be cut after this. 



The customary method has been to dig deep trenches, 

 even as far down as four feet, and enrich the ground 

 heavily with large quantities of dressing. It must 

 be admitted, however, that the root will probably 

 never get full value from a large amount of dress- 

 ing used when planting. It is four years before the 

 root is large enough to draw greatly on this fer- 

 tilizer, and by that time the soil will need a fresh 



