CHAPTER XVII 



RHUBARB AND ASPARAGUS 



RHUBARB. This perennial vegetable, 

 known sometimes as "pie plant," is com- 

 monly propagated by the division of the old 

 roots. Whenever roots are bought or divided 

 in the garden they should contain a portion 

 of the crown bearing one or more buds. 

 Rhubarb may be started from seed but this 

 practice is seldom followed unless in a commer- 

 cial way. One- or two-year-old roots may be 

 bought from any good seed house. 



Rhubarb will grow in various types of soil 

 but it thrives best in a rich deep loam. It 

 should be set early in the spring at one end of 

 the garden where it will not interfere with the 

 culture of the annuals. Plants may be grown 

 four to five feet apart each way. From four 



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