Asparagus 



435 



the land, the preparation of the soil, the method of plant- 

 ing, and particularly on the subsequent care and fertil- 

 izing of the plantation. Aim to secure large, broad 

 crowns. 



The roots of asparagus should be in moist, cool soil. 

 They should have opportunity to forage as far as they 



will. The roots run horizontally rather than perpen- 

 dicularly. It is well, therefore, to place the rows not 

 closer than 4 feet. The plants should be set deep. The 

 custom is to subsoil the land, if it is hard beneath the 

 surface, plowing in a heavy coating of well -rotted 

 manure if necessary. The plants are then set in fur- 

 rows 6 to 10 inches deep. The crown of the plant is 

 covered with loose earth or old compost to the depth of 

 2 or 3 inches. As the plants grow, the trench is 



Fig. 139. Seedlings of asparagus. Natural size. 



