THE VEGETABLE GAKDEN 305 



cultivating between the rows during the first and second 

 years. The third year a heavy coating of coarse manure 

 may be applied after the spring cultivation. The manure 

 will fertilize the soil and help retain the moisture. Keep 

 the plot free from weeds. 



Harvesting. If the plants have been kept in good con- 

 dition, a light cutting may be taken the second year 

 after the roots have been set. Cut or break the stalks 

 off two or three inches below the surface of the soil. Do 

 not cut too late in the season. The yield of any year 

 will depend upon the food that has been supplied by the 

 top during the preceding summer. 



Pests. Let some plants grow up and spray them 

 either with Paris green or arsenate of lead to kill any 

 asparagus beetles that feed on them. 



RHUBARB 



Six or eight rhubarb plants, if given proper care, will 

 yield enough stalks for family use. 



Rhubarb may be grown from seed, but it is more prof- 

 itable to buy strong roots of a good variety. Old plants 

 may be separated. The roots may be cut into as many 

 pieces as there are strong buds. Leave as much root as 

 possible with each bud. Parts of a plant may be taken 

 up and transplanted while some of the root remains in 

 the ground undisturbed. 



Soil. Rhubarb requires a deep, rich soil, but that 

 found in any garden will answer the purpose, provided 

 the hill is given special preparation. 



