222 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
are usually 4 1 / inches in diameter, weighing from i to 3 
pounds. Nine-inch bunches are probably most popular 
on eastern markets. The number of stalks to the bunch 
varies from a dozen to two or three dozen. Eighteen 
shoots to the bunch has been the average on one of the 
largest places in this country. 
The bunches must be tied firmly near the top and near 
the bottom. Strong jute and raffia have been used ex- 
tensively, but red tape, % to inch wide, is now in 
general use, because it attracts attention and conveys the 
idea that the product is of superior quality. Rubber 
bands are used by some growers 
when the bunching is done by 
hand. Their advantage over tape 
lies in greater rapidity of bunching. 
Standing the bunches in shallow 
trays of pure water, as previously 
described (281), is often an ad- 
vantage during the week, as well 
as in holding over Sunday. The 
product may be held in perfect 
condition for several days by this 
plan, which may also be the means 
of avoiding a glut or of meeting a 
special demand. The shoots soon 
fig. 58. asparagus take up sufficient water to make 
bunched for market the bunches tight and they also 
increase somewhat in length. 
The crop is hauled to local markets in all sorts of pack- 
ages. Second-hand berry crates and carriers are often 
used for shipping. This is a mistake. The most suc- 
cessful extensive growers use crates made for the pur- 
pose. These are generally made to hold two or two and 
one-half dozen bunches, and are deep enough for the 
bunches to stand erect without injury to the tops. The 
“Southern Crate” is 28 inches long, 22 inches wide and 9 
