In the Garden

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 127, 31 May 1928, Page 20

In the Garden

ANSWERS TO COKHESPONDENTS. "Asparagus."—Plant in August or tho beginning of September. For successful growing of asparagus, It is necessary to havo deep, dry soil, trenched at least two feet deep and incorporating an abundance of manure. Planting in rows, on the flat is the genorally accepted method instead of in beds. Plant iv rows at least two feet apart and two feot plant from plant, with three-year-old plants. Plants that are one or two years old will answer equally well, but they will not come into bearing so soon. After the bed has been finally prepared by being forked over and raked, mark out the rows two feet apart, then dig a deep trench into which tho plants should be inserted, taking caro to spread out the roots llko a fan against the cut, the crown of the plant being kept two or three inches below the surface. If the plants' have been raised from seed, they must be lifted with care, injuring tho fibrous roots as little as possible. If the seed is sown where it is intended to remain, sow in drills two feet apart, and thin out the plants when ono year old to 181n plant from plant, and keep the ground free from weeds. It is more satisfactory, however, to secure three-year-old plants, by which means they will commence to produce in two years, whereas by seed four years will be required. ' Beds formed of three-year-old plants will afford a slight cutting the second year after planting, and from the fourth year they will be in full bearing. They will last for many years if properly attended to. Existing beds should bo cut close to the ground now, carefully avoiding the scattering of seed berries, then top dress with a coat of well rotted manure, at least three inches thick, adding a dressing of common salt at the rate of half a pound ■to every three square yards. In August fork the bed over carefully, removing all the rough manure. t Cutting1 should not be' commenced till the shoots are six inches above the ground, then they should be cut half an inch below the surface. If seed is used, sow in September.

Uy "PRACTICAL" i