CHAPTER XXIV. 



PERENNIAL CROPS. 



THE vegetables in this group have little in 

 common except their cultural wants or 

 requirements, but these are so different 

 from the needs of annuals that it is convenient 

 to group them together. Because they occupy 

 their places more or less permanently, it is 

 necessary to choose a spot that will not interfere 

 with the regular plowing and tilling of the farm 

 or garden. Perennials need tillage in the spring 

 and fall and are fertilized by top dressings, at 

 both seasons. 



ASPARAGUS. 



The chief of the perennials is asparagus, 

 which requires a deep, rich, moist, cool soil, 

 with a warm exposure. It originally grew in 

 rotten sea-weed on the shores and is a gross 

 feeder, so the soil cannot be too rich. Sub-soiling 

 to the depth of two feet is good for asparagus. 

 It used to be thought that a layer of salt at the 

 roots made a good fertilizer, but salt is no longer 

 used in that way. It is, however, used to 

 keep down weeds in the asparagus bed, espe- 

 cially the German salt known as kainit. This 

 kills out weeds, saves cultivation, and adds 

 potash to the soil. 



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