496 



Asparagus Growing in France. [nov., 



In the course of March, the crowns are again covered with 

 2 to 2^ in. of soil from that left in the paths, and a little nitrate 

 of soda is added to encourage growth. The surface is then well 

 levelled and the bed receives the same attention as in the first 

 year. In the autumn of the second year it is well to give fresh 

 manure as was done the previous year. 



In the spring of the third year the asparagus should be earthed 

 up by making a mound of earth (taken from the paths) over the 

 crown about i ft. above the rest of the bed. This earthing 

 up is intended to furnish the plant with the necessary matter for 

 its healthy development ; the reverse operation of uncovering 

 the shoots or buds in the autumn is intended to allow them to 

 rest and to take advantage of the manure which is applied and 

 also to benefit from the sunshine. 



If the asparagus bed has been well cared for up to this point, 

 one may begin from the third year to cut asparagus from the 

 strongest plants, two or three from each root, but the crowns do 

 not come into full bearing until the fourth year. In any case, 

 it is very important to gather the asparagus by breaking them 

 at the top of the crown and not by cutting as is often done. 

 It is best to remove the earth and to break the stalk off cleanly 

 with the finger, re-making the mound round the plant. This is 

 the method adopted by the most careful growers round Paris. 

 In that district asparagus is produced from the beginning of 

 April. In order not to spoil the next year's crop, it is best not 

 to prolong the gathering beyond the middle of June for the 

 early Argenteuil variety, though the late variety will last another 

 fortnight. 



In the fourth and succeeding years the attention given to the 

 beds remains the same, consisting of cultivation and repeated 

 manuring. It is not absolutely indispensable to manure every 

 year, but the abundance and excellence of the product is always 

 proportionate to the plant food supplied. An asparagus bed 

 well made and well cared for will remain productive for ten 

 years or more. 



