8 HAND BOOK FOR THE GARDEN 
ES 
Cultivate thoroughly all Summer to keep out the weeds. The 
deeper the soil and greater abundance of well rotted manure that is 
used, the greater will be the crop, for Asparagus is a strong feeder. 
No shoots should be removed the first year the plants are set in the 
permanent bed and the period of cutting should be short the Second 
year. After the second year the plants become well established and 
with proper fertilizing and care, the bed will last indefinitely. 
GARDEN BEANS 
Beans thrive best in a rather warm, sandy loam, but may be 
grown on almost any kind of soil. Beans may be planted about May 
5th and every two weeks until July 5th. The seed germinates in five 
to ten days. Plant at the rate of 2 Ibs., or one quart to one hundred 
feet of drill or one bushel to the acre in drills; twenty hills per con- 
sumer. Plant two inches deep in drills eighteen inches to two feet 
apart, according to the richness of the soil. The seed should be 
dropped about two inches apart and after the plants are in the third 
leaf, thin out to stand four to six inches apart in the row. Cultivate 
frequently before blossoming, but do not touch the leaves when they 
are wet. They should be ready in about seven weeks after planting. 
Snap Beans are best for table use before they reach full size and 
maturity. 
FIELD BEANS 
Early plowing, at least five weeks before planting time, is neces- 
sary for good results with Beans. After this the land should be culti- 
vated frequently to bring it into the best possible condition. 
Beans thrive on most all soils but better results are gained by 
the liberal use of fertilizer or planting in light, rich, well drained 
loam. Beans are extremely sensitive to frost and moisture. It is use- 
less to plant them before all danger of frost is past and the ground 
is warm. Sow the seed in drills 30 inches apart and four to eight inches 
apart in the row. They should be frequently cultivated up to the time 
of blossoming, but this should never be done when the grolnd or 
plants are wet with rain or dew, as it will be sure to injure them. 
If disturbed while in bloom, it will prevent their setting well. 
Plant 30 to 35 lbs. per acre, with grain drill. 
BEETS 
The best soil for Beets is a rich, sandy loam, preferable one which 
has been thoroughly enriched the year before with well rotted manure. 
Sow one ounce to fifty feet of drill; five pounds to the acre in drills; 
fifteen feet per consumer. In the latitude of Minnesota plant May 1st 
and every four weeks until July 15th, in rows one and a half feet 
apart, one inch apart in the row and one to two inches deep. When 
eight to ten inches high, thin to four inches apart. Cultivate thor- 
oughly from the time the plants come up until they shade the g'round. 
Beets should be dug before they reach full size if the best quality for 
table use is desired. 
Late sown Beets are better than the early for storage, for they are 
more tender and a better quality for Winter use. 
