147 G The Vegetable Industry in New York State 



are equally light crop producers. Furthermore, not all the seed 

 produced on a plant is equally good ; that which is produced on the 

 tips is usually small and of low vitality, and those that do grow 

 produce weak plants. 



All small and weak seeds should be rejected. This can be done 

 by first floating off in water, at the time of saving the seeds, all 

 that will float. The one who is saving the seeds must add water 

 to separate the skins and pulp from the seeds after having crushed 

 the berries. The berries should not be gathered until they have 

 had some freezing; this softens them and makes the work much 

 easier. .Several washings will be needed to clean them perfectly. 

 Let all seeds that do not sink readily run off with the water. 

 When washed clean, spread out thinly to dry. When quite dry 

 run through a windmill in which is placed the lower screen, with 

 mesh just large enough to screen out all small seeds and allow 

 the balance to pass over and out in the usual way. By turning the 

 crank on the windmill at just the right speed any light seeds that 

 escaped elimination by the water test can be blown out with the 

 mild current. We then have the very best seed that can be pro- 

 cured without special breeding. 



GROWING THE YOUNG PLANTS 



The seed of the asparagus is very hard as well as very hardy. 

 It requires a long time to germinate, hence should be planted 

 as early as the soil can be worked and gotten into good condition. 

 The plants can be grown on almost any kind of soil, but preferably 

 not too heavy. Select a site near the buildings where poultry can 

 run through it; they will keep the young plants free from the 

 beetles. 



After deciding where the seed bed is to be made the next requi- 

 site to success is the preparation, fertilization, and care of the 

 young seedling plants. Remember first, that the asparagus plant 

 is a very heavy feeder ; second, that we are to grow a strong, vig- 

 orous root, as large as is commonly sold commercially at two 

 years' of age, and do it in one season. In order to do that feed and 

 care must not be neglected, therefore liberally apply yard or stable 

 manure broadcast over the entire area where seeds are to be sown, 

 before plowing. Plow and prepare as for other crops; mark of! 



