This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...culture has been a little poor, it ought not to be cut till then, so there is a very special reason why every necessary care should be taken to promote astrong and healthy growth. When asparagus is cut for market, it must be taken when it is just rising above the surface, and it is then cut below, and the lower portion ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 Excerpt: ...culture has been a little poor, it ought not to be cut till then, so there is a very special reason why every necessary care should be taken to promote astrong and healthy growth. When asparagus is cut for market, it must be taken when it is just rising above the surface, and it is then cut below, and the lower portion is generally sticky; but for the private table the proper way to cut it is to wait till it is six inches above the ground, and then cut it off level with the surface. This mode was first suggested by Mr. Wheeler, and ia a great improvement on the plans recommended in the older works on gardening. Indeed, in old times, asparagus was very much hacked about by those not expert in cutting it, and the plant much injured by the process of those who were expert. The new plan is a decided improvement, and supplies a dish of exquisite flavour, to which the greengrocer's bunches bear no sort of comparison. The cutting takes place from early in May to about the 10th or 15th of June; in no case should it be continued after the end of June, otherwise the plant will not have time to recover itself during the season. After cutting, let the bed be well weeded, and then allow the stems to rise and grow as they please, giving plenty of liquid manure, and a monthly dressing of salt as before. FORCING ASPARAGUS. There are many ways of forcing asparagus, either in pits formed for the purpose, and heated with dung or hot water, the latter being the best, or in the open ground. The plants for the purpose should be four years old. Take up the plants by the end of November and by succession as required, without injuring their roots, and above all things do not bruise the buds about the crown, for these are to supply the shoots for the table. A gentle heat is all that...
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