THE SUCCULENT ASPARAGUS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18879, 29 November 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE SUCCULENT ASPARAGUS

A DtLICfOUS VEGETABLE.

Asparagus shoots should in no case be kept too closely cut, in fact, in a short time cutting should cease altogether. Tho tendency too often is to cut all reasonably-sized shoots as soon as they appear above ground, trusting to any of the weaker, shoots that may come up later to carry on root action- To ensure a good annual crop. a certain number of shoots must be allowed to grow unchecked from each crown, in order to encourage the formation of new

roots, and a new set of buds. By too close cutting tho roots, instead of increasing in strength each -ear, as they should do if a few ptrong shoots were allowed to grow frnrn each stool, are Too n. .Ny shoots are no means an advantage and' it is better to thin out some of the weakest than to deprive the plaftta of all of tjii strongest shoots.

WHEN TO CEASE CUTTING.

The time for the

cut tine to ceaso will d»nond in a preat tniM>««v(i nnon the situation *f *^ e and Hie method of culture. In warm favourable situations and under proper tre»tthe cutting of plants may commence some weeks earlier than that of plants growing in less favourable conditions, so that some judgmont needs to be exercised as to when all cutting should cease. Stimulants, however, can still be applied with advantage.' Either animal manure, applied in a liquid form, or applying a dressjng of superphos--1 phate, nitrate or soda, or sulphate of ammonia just before rain will prove beneficial.

FAVOURABLE GARDENING CONDITIONS. Up to the present the garden has been favoured with frequent showers resulting in strong vigorous growth of crops. The same condition has been equally favourable for the growth of weeds. This, however, is often an advantage a3 it compels growers to keep the soil stirred, that might otherwise remain untouched, thus adding warmth to the roots and increasing the fertility of the plants. No observant grower can fail to notice the difference in growth between almost any crops when the soil is frpquently stirred and those growing where little or no cultivation is given. PLANTING IN HOT WEATEER. From this time onwan .creasing heat and dryer weather must i "orally be expected, so that in preparing the ground for sewing or planting, spel al preparation must be made for the roots to bo well nourished. For sowing late crops of peas and beans, a good plan is to open trenches and place in a good layer of well decomposed manure or other vegetable matter, and make the drills for sowing slightly lower than tho surrounding surface. In sowing any crop, in fact, tho ground should be well manured and as deeply worked as the soil will admit. Salads are now much in demand and every effort should be made to keep up a supply. GENERAL NOTES. Stag and elk horns are vastly improved if supplied with liquid manure at regular periods now, and if thero is room between the plant and boards to which they are attached a few pieces of decayed manure can be advantageously pressed into the space, supplying nutriment gradually to the plant, as it is washed in with watering. Large plants with several crowns can be divided by pulling each crown off with a good piece of the old decayed leaves attached, and each piece established on a fresh board.

Many ferns are admirably adapted for growing as room plants, and require much less attention than palms. One of the very best for this purpoteis the hooked buckler fern (Aspiaiura faxtatum), which bo?JS fronds measuring from 18in. to 2ft, in length and from 6in. to 9in. in breadth. This is a Japanese fern, but can be grown out in the open in many parts of the country. The soil in which it delights is a 6andy neat, containing a slight mixture of good warn. Like most other feraa, it likes moisture at the roots. Any nurseryman who deal* in ferns will supply this fern *t a Tory reatonablt charge.