ASPARAGUS CULTURE. 



59 



quicker and easier when Asparagus is grown on a large scale. 

 If the season is dry, from 2 in. to 3 in. of soil is placed above 

 the stools planted in the spring, so as to keep them fresh. 

 When once they have begun to show any heads above the 

 ground, the stools may be covered to the depth of 6 in. with- 

 out harming them. 



June. 



Discontinue gathering about the 10th of the month, or 

 even earlier. We must cease gathering in those planta- 

 tions which show signs of weakness, as well as those in 

 which very early varieties have been planted, according to 

 the season. A falling off in the thickness and length of the 

 heads is a sure sign that the plantation wants repose. Con- 

 tinue to hoe. Let the young shoots be attached to training 

 sticks, as directed in the preceding months. A sharp eye 

 must be kept on the enemies of the Asparagus grower, the 

 mole, the Asparagus beetle, and the cockchafer grub. 



July. 



This is the period at which the Asparagus beetle lays its 

 second batch of eggs. This insect must therefore be well 

 looked after, whether in the beetle or larvae stage, or in 

 the egg. War must also still be waged on the white worm. 

 Hoe and weed where necessary. Young plantations in 

 gardens in very light and dry soil must be watered, if the 

 weather is very dry and hot, at least every fortnight, if possible. 

 Young shoots should be tied to training sticks. 



August. 



Insects and other pests must be hunted down. The trenches 

 and mounds must be hoed and weeded if necessary, and the 

 taller shoots of the plants supported by sticks, so that the 

 wind may not break them down. This is only necessary in 

 situations which are exposed to high winds; in sheltered 

 positions it is unnecessary. 



