54 GARDEN STEPS 



fertilizer used more available to the plant; but the 



full measure of dressing and other fertilizers should 



be given, whether salt is used or not. Salt may be 



scattered freely among the plants without fear of 



harm. 



Cutting Asparagus 



The sprouts which come during the first three 

 weeks the second year may be cut, but cutting should 

 not continue longer than three weeks. When cut- 

 ting sprouts, take them all, big and little, and stop 

 cutting completely when the time is up. Cutting 

 the stalks may begin regularly the third year, and 

 may continue from the time they come up in 

 April till strawberries ripen, about July first. Never 

 leave the small shoots to form tops, as they will 

 draw strength from the roots and retard other 

 stalks. During the cool weather, once in two days 

 is often enough to cut; but when the sun gets hot, 

 the beds should be cleaned up each day. All stalks 

 five inches high should be taken. 



The cutting is done with a knife made for the pur- 

 pose. It has a sharp end. Thrust this into the earth 

 an inch away from the stalk, and cut down obliquely, 

 so as to cut off the shoot an inch or so below the sur- 

 face. Be careful that the knife does not continue 

 down and cut other shoots beneath the surface, or 

 injure the crown itself. If it is not convenient to 

 get an asparagus knife, a putty, or glazier's, knife 

 with the end well sharpened, will do. 



