60 



ASPARAGUS CULTURE. 



September. 



The work to be done during this month is very small. 

 When Asparagus is planted in vineyards the work is limited 

 to tying the long overgrown shoots to training sticks to keep 

 the wind from blowing them down, or to prevent them from 

 keeping the sun and air from the Grapes, and so prevent- 

 ing them from ripening. Weeding and hoeing operations 

 are carried on if necessary weather permitting. At this 

 period of the year the young plantations are usually free from 

 the attacks of their usual enemies. At the beginning of the 

 month, however, a sharp look-out should be kept for any 

 straggling beetles or white worms. 



October. 



In light and dry situations we may begin planting, but only 

 in warm localities. In the north and centre of France, and 

 a fortiori throughout the whole of England, it is better to 

 wait for the spring. We should also towards the close of the 

 month cut down the old heads and begin to unearth, dressing 

 heavily with well-rotted stable manure, artificial manure, oil 

 cake, wood ashes, compost, &c. Damp soils are drained if they 

 are intended for spring planting. Mixed mould, manures, 

 and composts should be prepared for use in the coming 

 spring, and a good supply of young plants should be secured 

 beforehand. 



November. 



We now begin to force Asparagus in the open ground and in 

 heat. The stems of the plants above ground are cut down to 

 the height of 12 in., and then tied up in bundles for burning. 

 The mounds are dug up and lowered, so that manure may be 

 brought within reach of the roots. We continue planting 

 during the first fifteen days of this month in dry lands. In 

 the south of France we may plant during the whole of the 

 winter. Unearthing is also continued, as well as manuring. 

 The ground may also be prepared for the spring plantations. 

 Borders and mounds and trenches are prepared for forcing. 



