Therefore the young plant we set out
is a more or less thick mass of roots, a green bud, and usually a
bit of the old parent cane, which is of no further service except
as a handle and a mark indicating the location of the plant. After
the ground has been prepared as one would for corn or potatoes, it
should be levelled, a line stretched for the row, and the plants
set four feet apart in the row. Sink the roots as straight down as
possible, and let the bud point upward, covering it lightly with
merely one or two inches of soil. Press the ground firmly against
the roots, but not on the bud. The soil just over this should be
fine and mellow, so that the young shoot can push through easily,
which it will soon do if the plants are in good condition. Except
in the extreme South, spring is by far the best time for planting,
and it should be done early, while the buds are dormant. After
these begin to grow, keep the ground mellow and free from weeds.
The first effort of the young plant will be to propagate itself.
It will sprawl over the ground if left to its wild impulses, and
will not make an upright bearing bush. On this account put a stake
down by the young sprout, and as it grows keep it tied up and away
from the ground. When the side-branches are eight or ten inches
long, pinch them back, thus throwing the chief strength into the
central cane.
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