THE CULTURE OF ASPARAGUS 



Soil and Site 



Asparagus grows wild in England, notably at Tintagel, 

 near Camelford, and at the Lizard, near Kynance Cove, 

 where it grows on the almost soilless rocks, the spray of 

 the sea frequently washing it. This gives us hints as to 

 culture, for it is found to take up its abode in warm 

 positions where silicious soils abound, and, although close 

 to the sea, it is not found growing in it, but in well 

 drained soil on the sloping sides of rocks or cliffs. Yet 

 there are probably few plants which respond as does 

 this to high culture, although it thrives to a certain 

 extent on silicious matter, or on rocks to which it seems 

 but desperately to cling ; and under the best culture the 

 roots will grow down to a great depth, though only in a 

 good rich, sandy soil. I understand that asparagus grows 

 wild also in the Fen districts of Lincolnshire, and, indeed, 

 one may say that almost anywhere, if only the plants be 

 placed in soil of a light, sandy, friable nature, the growth 

 is most rapid. 



Many methods are adopted, and many opinions exist 

 as to the proper method of growing the best class of 

 asparagus, but I have found that all agree upon one 

 point, which is that the nature of soil most suitable is 

 a good rich, friable, sandy soil, Furthermore, all admit 

 that a clay soil is the worst, and of this soil I had some 

 years ago much experience. I grew asparagus on a 

 strong loam resting on cold and heavy brick clay. I 

 had no other soil, and, as asparagus had to be grown, in 

 order somewhat to overcome the difficulty, I used all 



