RHUBARB AND ASPARAGUS 



manure. The frosts and rains will work 

 much of the available food into the soil ; early 

 in the spring dig in the partly decayed straw to 

 a depth of three inches. 



A light crop may be harvested the spring 

 of the third year after setting. Asparagus 

 should have two full years to become estab- 

 lished. Care should be exercised in cutting 

 the stalks not to injure the crown or stalks 

 which are below the surface. If the plants are 

 thrifty and grown on rich soil the spikes are 

 very tender, and may be broken off at the 

 surface of the soil. (Fig. 58.) This method 

 of harvesting is always safe. Stop cutting 

 July 1. Cultivate two or three times after 

 July 1. 



Do not cut the tops off until after the ber- 

 ries are red in the fall, and if the plants have 

 been troubled with disease or insects, bum the 

 tops. 



The worst insect enemy is the common as- 

 paragus beetle. Both the adults and larvae 

 gnaw the tender shoots. This beetle appears 



219 



