288 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



Culture. Feed well, and keep clear of weeds. 



Fertilize with a high-grade general mixture. 



Forcing. In early September cut down the tops, 

 which will have grown to four to five feet. Earth up the 

 row with light soil, free of stones, to a height of eigh- 

 teen inches. In forty to sixty days shoots will force 

 their way through this, and should be cut at their first 

 appearance. Remove the earth from around them and 

 cut as low as possible, taking care not to injure the 

 smaller shoots. Earth once more and cut the subse- 

 quent shoots when they have grown. Or instead of 

 earthing, cover with boxes and cut the shoots when 

 about twelve inches long. 



Protection. When the plants have ceased to bear, 

 level the ground and mulch heavily with earth and 

 straw, or best with several inches of fresh manure with 

 its bedding, so that it shall not heat. 



Spring treatment. Remove the mulch. Dig the 

 manure into the ground; or dress heavily with well- 

 rotted manure. Feed with chemicals at intervals 

 throughout the year. 



Renewal. A bed of Kan Udo should last for several 

 years, according to its treatment. Renew when the 

 plants show less vigor, from seed. 



(2) Moyashi Udo. This is propagated from roots 

 only, and is grown for forcing, to yield a winter vege- 

 table. 



