ASPARAGUS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 20 (Supplement)

ASPARAGUS

Preparation of Beds

gardener who fails to grow such permanent crops as asparagus and seakale, deprives himself of two of the most delicious vegetables it is possible to grow. Asparagus is in season in spring when there is little choice in vegetables. A soil of medium texture is ideal, arid there is no need for a great deal of expenditure m the preparation of a bed. This should be five feet in width, ff several beds arc required, a two-feet alley should separate them. Such a bed will take tUxeo rows of plants 18 inches apart. The actual planting, whether by seeds or plants, is carried out about September, but it is essential to success to prepare tho site fieveral months in advance. Deep cultivation is the secret of success with asparagus, and the soil should be trenched three feet deep. Remember, it will not be possible to dig the plot again for several years, so lay a good foundation by incorporating a liberal quantity of half-decayed manure or coarse bonemeal. If the drainage is bad. a thin layer of clinker or broken stono should bo placed at tho bottom of each trench as the work proceeds. A tenacious or clayey site can be rendered moro suitable by adding sand, ashes from the rubbish fire, mortar rubble and burned earth, while th« bed can also be slightly raised above the surrounding soil. Leave the surface as rough as possible; at planting time it will rake down to a fine tilth. Asparagus may be planted in lines similar to other crops without so much preparation, but the life of tho bed will be short, and just when the grower should be cutting fine heads, the plants will begin to deteriorate. The best policy is to make a good beginning.