Its cultivation is very simple. Those who propose to produce it
largely for market will find it to their advantage to raise this
plant from the seed; but for the Home Acre enough plants can be
procured, at a moderate cost, from almost any nurseryman. In this
instance, also, thorough preparation of the soil is essential, for
the rhubarb bed, under good care, will last eight or ten years. A
rich, deep, clean, warm soil is the chief essential. It belongs to
that class of vegetables known as "gross feeders." During the
first year, however, I would apply the fertiliser directly to the
hills or plants. These are obtained by dividing the old roots,
which may be cut to pieces downward so as to leave a single bud or
"eye" surmounting a long tapering portion of root. Each division
will make a new, vigorous plant, which should be set out so that
the bud or crown is three inches below the surface in light soils,
and two inches in heavy soils. The plants should be four feet
apart each way, and two or three shovelfuls of rich compost worked
into the soil where the plant is to stand. You cannot make the
ground too rich; only remember that in this, as in all other
instances, light, fermenting manures should not be brought into
immediate contact with the roots. Plant in either autumn or
spring.
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