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Growing asparagus at home
Asparagus tends to be more expensive than other vegetables, so growing it in your home garden is a great alternative to buying it at the grocery store. It will be more tender and flavorful when going straight from your garden to your dinner table, as well.
Asparagus originated in the Mediterranean regions of Europe, but various varieties have made it a versatile crop for almost all areas of the United States. It grows successfully in places with such diverse climates as California, Minnesota, New York State, and New Jersey. The only places where asparagus is difficult to grow are those with a high water table, since the roots should not stand for long in water.
When you grow asparagus at home, choose a location carefully since asparagus is a perennial plant. Pick a spot where its shadow will not hinder the growth of other plants. Soil should have good drainage.
If you live in an area with clay or nutrient-poor soil, or if you do not want to disturb the soil, lasagna gardening, invented in Australia and further developed in California to conserve water, can be a good way to go.
Start with a wooden frame to hold in soil that you are going to build up. The frame should be made of four boards nailed together into a box shape about the size of a king-sized bed. If you can get hold of the platform for a king-sized bed, simply move it out to your garden and you are ready to begin. Spread a layer of newspapers about 2 inches thick along the ground inside your box. This will help hold in water. Next, lay down a layer of alfalfa hay. Bales of hay come already sliced, so simply remove the slices and place them side-by-side as if paving a patio with bricks. Next, add a layer of mature compost to the top of your box.
When it is mature, compost has a pH between 6 and 8, which is good for growing asparagus. Asparagus needs phosphorus, so make your compost from kitchen waste and manure. Grass cuttings tend to be poor in phosphorus and can contain grass seeds. Using worms for composting can help the phosphorus level, but add them only after your compost has cooled to room temperature.
There are two basic ways of planting asparagus. One way is to plant crowns, or dormant roots, so that you will have edible shoots by the third year. The other way, growing from seeds requires even more patience. Expect a year for your roots to grow.
Check with your local nursery as to which varieties are best-suited to your locale and preferences. Many breeds are monoecious, or have one gender per plant. All male plants are usually preferred for their greater number of spears than the female. Female plants are often discarded by gardeners who do not want volunteer asparagus plants growing from the plants' berries. Some varieties with only male plants are prized for their ability to withstand fungus. Dioecious plants, those with both male and female gender on the same plant, are also available. Some varieties hardy enough for cold climates include the Jersey series from Rutgers. Some varieties include Jersey King, Jersey Prince, Jersey Knight, Jersey Jewel, Jersey General, and Jersey Titan. The most common varieties grown in California's Imperial Valley, where temperatures soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, include de Paoli and UC157. Purple varieties are available to look cool on your table.
To plant asparagus crowns, in the spring, first dig a depression the length of your garden bed, 12 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Place each crown into the soil about 15 to 18 inches apart, with the mass in the center of the crown slightly higher than the individual roots. Add a high phosphorus fertilizer. (Three numbers are usually seen on packages of fertilizer. The second number listed is phosphorus. Try to find one with at least 20 percent listed as the middle number. Phorphorus, or phosphate, is used in general to grow strong roots, which is what you need to do). Place about 2 inches of soil over each crown. Every 2 weeks continue to place 2 inches of soil over the crowns until the trench is completely filled in.
Water to keep the soil moist but not in puddles.
For the truly intrepid gardener, asparagus seeds are available. Spring is the best time to plant, when the soil is warm enough for germination. Soak your seeds in a mixture of water and compost for 2 hours before planting. Plant them 15 to 18 inches apart and cover with 2 inches of soil.
Legumes, such as sweet peas or snow peas, make good companion plants for asparagus. Legumes fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, allowing the plant to make proteins.
Once asparagus is established in your garden it will continue to produce for ten to twenty years as long as it has the nutrients it needs. Once your plants have matured, spread a balanced fertilizer with a ratio 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 every spring to allow growth. Happy gardening!


text: When public transit agencies collaborate and build maps that display each other's services, riders benefit. For example, the Philadelphia Rail Transit Map shows rapid transit services provided by two agencies: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which operates most lines, and Delaware River Port Authority, which operates the PATCO Line connecting Philadelphia with Camden and several other points in New Jersey. The SEPTA map key includes the disclaimer "not a SEPTA service" next to the PATCO Line, but represents the line using a visual style consistent with all other rapid transit lines in Philadelphia.

subset: commoncrawl


text: THE end of the road for Sweden's Saab looks near after talks to sell the company owned by General Motors broke down. GM plans to shut Saab after failing to strike a deal with Spyker Cars of the Netherlands, although it was evaluating several new enquiries last night including a renewed offer from Spyker. The Saab closure threatens 3,400 jobs at its factory in Sweden and thousands more around the world.


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MyArticle » Real-estate » Property Management
Property Management Articles
1: Find the right real estate agent for your property needs
The best way to find the property is to search it via the estate agents. An estate agent can help you find the suitable property that meets your particular needs. He can find it that suits your budget as well.
2: were You an acceptable Realtor?
something a Realtor absolutely inferior an important Realtor that's a heavy job. Here were some tips to accommodate you out.
3: Qualities of good lettings agents
Estate agents know the properties in your area, who will buy them, and how much they sell for and they know the state of the local market, which might be better or worse than the national property market.
4: Services provided by the Sioux Falls Property Management Companies
The Sioux Falls property management companies have earned enough fame from throughout the world with their world class services. The services provided by them are of various types. Customer satisfaction is their prime goal and they always give them the best.
5: Reliable online agencies that can the real estate help investors to make the best deal
Today, real estate investment has become an effective way to earn fast money. But it needs skills and the right kind of information to become a successful businessman.
6: Groupwise Inc. Timeshare Property Experts
If you are affected by the economic crunch (and who isn't these days?), it is best to start getting smart and getting rid of your timeshare that is draining your budget.
7: Quality Minnesota Realtors - how they make the whole experience better
When you are relocating you may need to buy or sell your house or maybe even do both.
8: How to spot a good estate agent
Having decided it is time to sell your home, selecting the best estate agents to work with is essential. However, like in any profession, there are those who excel and those who do not.
9: Edward Jones Auburn Offers Estate Planning
Edward Jones Auburn Offers Estate Planning.
10: Role of Real Estate Agents and Mls Durham
Real estate listings are very useful for both property buyers and sellers. Mls Durham is a real estate listing that provides detail information and description on market conditions, home values, different properties on sale such as houses, condo, cottages, apartments, land, etc to help you make the right choice.
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Communication is the basis of every interaction, and fundamental to developing and strengthening leadership skills. Accomplishing your goals is directly correlated to effectively communicating your objectives and working with others to accomplish those goals. At Executive Essentials, we provide custom-designed training and coaching programs in these essential skills including:
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What's the matter with kids these days? Nothing! Still, today's intergenerational workforce is experiencing a culture clash. The attitudes, values, and behaviors of the Millennial Generation are leaving managers miffed. It is time to learn to lead Millennials, so they can reach their potential and you can reach yours. This full day workshop has two major components: learn about them, and learn to lead them. Presentation and discussion of the attitudes, values, and behaviors of the different generations are followed by the introduction of Millennials' workplace needs and wants and corresponding management strategies. Throughout the workshop participants will practice new techniques for successfully leading this next great
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- Learn techniques to increase likeability


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OP here. I didn't expect it to be noted as a medical bracelet substitute. It's very artsy and colourful; it also has a date underneath so I didn't expect people to think it was due to an illness.
By Calaraphea - / Thursday 16 May 2013 15:01 / United Kingdom - Warrington
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By CrookedCook | 14
well since the tattoo signifies so much meaning to you, then you'll hopefully have no regrets. it just seems that misconception of others will live you the rest of your life. just something you gotta deal with, but I'm sure the tattoo was worth it in the end.
alycion | 30
There is someone I run into at my local pharmacy that has one. But underneath the symbol it has the illness. I probably wouldn't make the assumption without more info on the tattoo. A med alert doesn't do a whole lot of good if it doesn't say what is being alerted to if the person is knocked out and can't speak. But I could see where some may mistake it.
TheDrifter | 23
I've never seen one as a tattoo here in Canada. Maybe the logo of Alma mater above it? That would clue me in immediately that OP was in medicine and where they graduated from. My first thought was "us that like the pot leaf tattoo for pill heads?"
VeganVampyre | 26
Yup. Lots of people these days are getting the tattoo rather than having to worry about always remembering to put on their bracelet or necklace or whatever. That way it's always there, no matter what.
ArgentumAurum | 24
Actually the staff of Hermes is a symbol of trade, the correct visage would be the rod of Asclepius, which actually is related to medicine.
HKCgrimmjow | 15
The more you know, the more you realize you don't know. There's never going to be a tattoo that is completely thought through every scenario
Mister_Triangle | 21
A tattoo of Hitler's face on the tip of your penis. Every scenario involving that will end predictably.
Um no, thats nicolas flamels symbol not the med staff, which is a staff with wings vs the cross with wings and a crown thats used in fma, which i should know because i have the fma symbol tattooed on my person
I am correcting myself before i get chewed out, the medical symbol is the one without wings, i am not in medicine and thought of the wrong symbol
therealslim | 15
*Nobody gives a fuck
SammyS2012 | 21
I dont care much for tattoos but youre 100% right. It doesnt matter what other people think of it, if it has meaning to OP then thats all that matters
LordoftheOcelots | 10
It means I like Calliope
By buzzkill9000 | 6
Why would you put that on your wrist and not expect people to think that. People will use that tattoo as a substitute for the bracelet on their forearms. YDI
OP here. I didn't expect it to be noted as a medical bracelet substitute. It's very artsy and colourful; it also has a date underneath so I didn't expect people to think it was due to an illness.
CrookedCook | 14
date of being diagnosed
No. I'm a trauma doctor. I spend my days making split second decisions, decisions that have ended up being wrong and taking a life instead of saving it. I both admire and fear the power of medicine; therefore I wanted to get a tattoo of the medical symbol to both show my respect and love for medicine.
CrookedCook | 14
well since the tattoo signifies so much meaning to you, then you'll hopefully have no regrets. it just seems that misconception of others will live you the rest of your life. just something you gotta deal with, but I'm sure the tattoo was worth it in the end.
southernbelle_rn | 16
Maybe because I'm a nurse, but I thought it could go two ways: medical bracelet or you're in medical school/are a doctor. But thanks for answering us OP!
MissMae93 | 23
I agree with 14. That date could either be date of diagnosis or date of recovery/overcoming it. I would have placed it elsewhere, some place where it couldn't be misinterpreted as a replacement for the bracelet. But, in the end it's your body and hopefully you'll have no regrets.
rosenkrieger223 | 21
42, I was thinking the same thing. haha
Come to London and get yourself into a pickle, then! Get hit by a car and suffer a head or neck injury. If I'm on call, you might be lucky. Just kidding, haha. I also have a tiny Finn tattoo on my back, but shh. I'm a professional!
Are you doubting my superb medical training?! ;)
TourettesGuyFTW | 25
I'm in London... which bus route should I jump under to end up at your hospital?
ColdplaySucks | 18
"Very artsy"... YDI.
Riddlerette | 9
Since I don't know how the tattoo looks exactly, I'm not sure if this will work, but maybe you can put Trauma Doc or something similar so you won't have to worry about the confusion. I think it's quite admirable how you think of medicine and your respect for it. I may not live in London, but thank you for your services in doing everything you can to save lives. Also #75 what's wrong with artsy?
OptimusVader | 23
I have a tattoo of a koi fish that is very symbolic and means a lot to me. But you have no idea how many people have asked why I have a catfish (which it obviously doesn't look like) on my shoulder blade. Still no regrets!! Some people are just stupid ;)
clixed | 12
I have a lot of tatts that many people still ask the meaning for today because they don't get it.
I just look at it this way:
The meaning wasn't meant for the public it was meant for the person getting the tattoo, that's all that matters. It's not the worlds business unless you make it that way..
I just look at it this way:
The meaning wasn't meant for the public it was meant for the person getting the tattoo, that's all that matters. It's not the worlds business unless you make it that way..
stoneybadger78 | 6
Yeah if you weren't a doc having the Hippocratic symbol would be a bit strange.
By andrew_bellati | 11
I'm pretty sure they don't even have that... Just ignore ignorant people op, sounds pretty cool to me!
Zebediabolical | 36
Medic Alert most certainly comes in bracelets that people see advertised on late night television. So I'm not entirely sure how this makes them ignorant.
doodlecloud | 26
True but, I could be wrong, but I think they are a lot more common in the US than in the UK? I do know one person who has one but other than her I've hardly ever seen them, and I've definitely never see them advertised on tv. Therefore, I can completely understand OPs shock at people having that reaction over here. Personally, although I am familiar with them, I don't think I would ever have made the connection without some prompting.
andrew_bellati | 11
I have never heard of one in the us..
doodlecloud | 26
Weird...maybe just me then? I have seen them on American tv shows though so I'm pretty sure they have them over there too.
rosenkrieger223 | 21
I'm in the US and I used to have one for my asthma. When I was younger, I remember seeing them all the time at chain drug stores and such.
VeganVampyre | 26
I've never seen them advertised either but I know 3 people who have them, 2 for diabetes and one for a cold allergy, so I know the symbol and if I saw a tattoo of it on someone's wrist I would probably assume it was for some condition as well.
Bcfrmkc816 | 17
Good idea about the tat warning I to am severely allergic to penicillin. If I weren't in the military I would get one on my wrist as well. Maybe when I get out. Thanks for the idea
xStaciexLynnx | 15
It may have been a typo but yes, some people are allergic to cold. I'm one of them. Your skin breaks out in rash and hives when exposed to cold, just like any other allergy.
I know a girl like that, she moved to the u.s from bosnia (spelling? Im terrible with country names lol) and she would break out all winter, poor thing, was always worse when it was snowing
HKCgrimmjow | 15
Nice comment. Lol
superpoptart | 24
#20 yes but when you think of medicine, the mind immediately thinks of illness
Zebediabolical | 36
Actually the caduceus is not the symbol for medicine. The caduceus uses two snakes and wings, and is used to represent commerce.
There's another symbol that's very similar with ONE snake and no wings that is the medical symbol.
There's another symbol that's very similar with ONE snake and no wings that is the medical symbol.
scr_sensei | 14
Thank you #34, that bugged me, too. They are often mixed up, as is evident in its use by the U.S. Army Medical Corp, but traditionally, the single-snake Rod of Asclepius is associated with medicine, not the caduceus.
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