ASPARAGUS 



Seed Selected jo* Bif 



Asparagus is one of the most profitable of the early veg- 

 etables, and there is an ever increasing demand for this 

 delicious and healthful vegetable; even small plantings are 

 showing nice profits. Rayner's asparagus roots are grown 

 from selected seed on rich deep soils and have heavy 

 crowns with long thick roots. By digging with a special 

 tool designed for that purpose and with proper handling 

 and packing, these roots reach you packed with vitality; 

 all ready to produce giant, tender shoots for your table or 

 market, year after year. Good asparagus roots, with pro- 

 per care, are productive for as long as twenty years. So 

 why not plant the best, Rayner's Vigorous Roots. 



Our strong one year roots are most economical and are 

 best for the large planting, but the big two year roots will 

 produce stalks large enough for cutting the second year, 

 and a big crop each year thereafter. We recommend two 

 year roots for home gardens and the smaller plantings. 

 Asparagus grows best on light loamy soil, but is success- 

 ful on practically any soil that has adequate drainage. Be- 

 fore planting, the soil should be thoroughly prepared and 

 j in good mechanical condition. Furrows are then run out 

 eight to twelve inches deep, four to five feet apart, and 

 roots are set down the furrows every twelve to eighteen 

 inches, with the roots well spread out. The crowns are 

 covered with three inches when first set, and when culti- 

 vating, the soil is gradually worked into the furrow until 

 it is level. In this way, weeds and grass, which may be 

 starting in the row, are smothered out. In the garden, 

 holes may be dug the desired depth, large enough so that 

 the roots can be spread out; cover lightly at first, and after 

 the shoots have started, finish filling the holes. 



Cultivation should be thorough and at intervals frequent 

 enough to keep down weeds and to conserve moisture. 



The size and quantity of shoots that are produced are largely governed by the plant food available 

 during the preceding summer and fall, as during this period, reserve food is stored in the fleshy roots 

 for producing the next spring's crop. Therefore, right after the cutting season, the field should be 

 given a heavy application of stable manure, if available, or a complete commercial fertilizer, which 

 is high in nitrogen, applied at the rate of 1,000 to 1,800 lbs. per acre. Be sure to have a row of this 

 delicious healthy vegetable in your garden, for asparagus, with its long productive life, will repay 

 I you many times over for the small attention it requires. 



TV/TflPV Xkl Z& CHIMf" 1 Tf^W Since the introduction of the rust-proof Washington asparagus by 

 mnn 1 VVrVOnilNVa'lV-'ll the U.S.D.A., the Mary Washington strain has consistently been the 

 most productive and dependable, and is considered by commercial growers as the best and most profit- 

 I able. Mary Washington is very early, vigorous and very productive of large shoots of the finest qual- 

 ity, and are more uniform in size, shape and color than any of the older sorts. Price list on page 32. 



Kft"ixr P 21 R A T^T^p 1 This new variety is creating quite a sensation among the commercial 

 IiIjVV rnflfti/lOL asparagus growers and is reported by the introducer to be the greatest 

 1 advance made in asparagus since the introduction of the Washington Strains. To be very vigorous, 

 j producing a paying crop a year earlier than the Washington, the stalks larger, to cut more per acre 

 than Washington and to have a more delightful flavor. Include some Paradise in your order this 

 spring for it certainly seems promising. Prices, 25, $1.00; 50, $1.50; 100, $2.75. 



Large, Tender Spears Are Easily Grown 

 With Our Strong Vigorous Roots. 



RHUBARB 



We are offering this year Rhubarb roots to supply the 

 many inquiries we have been receiving during the past 

 years. Rayner's giant red stalked is one of best, easi- 

 ly grown, delicious for pies, etc., will quickly produce those perfect tender pink stalks that every- 

 one desires. Strong 1 Yr. roots, 10c each, 10 for 50c, 25 for $1.00, 50 for $1.75, 100 for $3.00. 



Plants Very Satisfactory 



Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 23, 1940. 

 The strawberry plants and asparagus plants ar- 

 rived in good condition and are very satisfactory. 

 Thanking you for your courtesy and generosity. 

 Yours very truly, A. T. Young 



Early Crops From Selected Plants 



Alleghany Co., Pa., April 29, 1940. 

 I am enclosing check for which please send me 

 300 two year asparagus. I got one thousand last 

 year and was well pleased with them, we are get- 

 ting a wonderful crop this year. Your selected 

 Strain of asparagus comes into production earlier 

 than we expected. Yours truly, 



Julia C. Spindler 



Thanks For Splendid Service 



Potters Co., Penna., May 16, 1940. 

 Strawberry plants arrived on time and in very 

 fine shape. Please accept my thanks for the splen- 

 did service you have rendered me in price, quan- 

 tity and quality. Yours truly, 



D. Benjamin Geer 



Rayners' Plants Are O.K. 



Montgomery Co., Pa., May 20, 1940. 



I beg to acknowledge receipt of the Asparagus 



and Grapevines in good condition and wish to 



thank you for the prompt service in filling this 



order. Yours truly, Geo. H. Campbell 



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