CHAPTER XXIV. 
PERENNIAL CROPS. 
\HE 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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