June.] 



THE CULINARY GARDEN. 



185 



unued, as long as any shoots of consequence make their 

 appearance. 



Previously to the asparagus running up to seed, the beds 

 should be perfectly cleared from weeds, for this operation 

 cannot be so effectually accomplished, after the stalks have 

 attained a considerable height. 



The young plants which were sown in the spring should 

 now be carefully weeded with the hand, but not with the hoe, 

 as the latter would endanger the growth of the young buds. 



GENERAL CROPS OF ONIONS. 



At the beginning of this month, the crops of onions should 

 be thoroughly cleared, and in those places where the bulbs 

 stand too close, they should be regularly thinned, either by 

 the hand or the small hoe ; but for extensive crops, the latter 

 method is by far the most expeditious. In either method, 

 however, particular care must be taken to have the operation 

 performed in proper time, for it will be found, that stirring 

 and loosening the earth proves highly beneficial to the growth 

 of the plants. Regularity should be particularly observed in 

 the thinning of this species of crop, leaving the most promising 

 plants at a distance of at least three inches asunder, and those 

 which are intended for the full crop of larger bulbs, at a dis- 

 tance of four or five inches. All weeds should at this time be 

 effectually eradicated. 



GATHERING THE CROPS OF WINTER ONIONS. 



About the end of this month, or the beginning of July, the 

 crops of onions will be so far advanced towards maturity, as 

 to be gathered for winter use, and experience proves that they 

 will keep better and longer than those of any other sowing. 

 They should be spread out thinly on the ground for a few days 

 to dry and harden, and then laid up in the granary or store- 

 room, exposed to the influence of the sun and air, until suffi- 

 ciently dry. 



2b 



