172 



GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH. 



as well kept and sown in the pulp. Asparagus seed will 

 keep four years. 



Use. — The tender shoots thrown up in the spring when 

 from four or five inches long, are the parts in use, and are 

 very delicate and much esteemed, though not very nutri- 

 tious. They are excellent simply boiled, or as an addition 

 to soups when in season. 



BASIL. — (Ocymum Basilicum, and 0. minimum.) 



Two species are cultivated, Sweet Basil, (0. ^Basil- 

 icum ). and Bush Basil, ( 0. minimum!). Both are annuals, 

 with small leaves and small white flowers, and natives of 

 the East Indies. Sweet basil is the species most cultivat- 

 ed, and was introduced into England in 1548. 



Culture. — Basil likes a rich, light soil, free from shade. 

 The plants may be started early in March, under glass, in 

 gentle heat. They should be thinned when the young 

 plants appear, and transplanted when of sufficient size 

 where they are to remain. Basil is rather difficult to 

 transplant, but can be carefully lifted in tufts with the 

 balls of earth attached, in a moist time, with complete 

 success ; give water and shade until established. It can 

 also be sown on the borders where it is to remain, but if 

 sown too early in the open air, the seed is apt to rot or 

 the young plants to be killed by frost, as they are rather 

 tender. April is the month for sowing in the open ground. 

 Do not cover the seed deeply, but press the earth upon it. 

 Make the rows ten inches apart, and thin the sweet basil 

 to ten inches, and the bush, which is more dwarf, to five 

 inches in the row. Weeds must be kept under, and the 

 soil mellow, by frequent hoeing. Bush basil makes a very 

 pretty edging. It should be cut not too closely just as it 



