RHUBARB AND ASPARAGUS 



to six plants are usually sufficient for a family 

 of five. 



Rhubarb is a gross feeder and usually re- 

 mains in one place from five to ten years be- 

 fore shifting, therefore a thorough prepara- 

 tion of the soil is necessary. Dig the holes 

 whenever possible in the fall about one and 

 one-half to two feet in depth and fill them with 

 cow or horse manure. In the spring, lift out 

 most of the manure and dig the rest into the 

 soil. After mixing the soil and manure, place 

 one root in the center of each hole and cover 

 the crown with fine soil two to three inches. 

 Place the remaining manure about the hole and 

 dig it into the soil. This practice supplies 

 sufficient humus and aids in retaining the much 

 needed moisture. If stable manure is not 

 available pulverized sheep manure or bone meal 

 may be substituted. The texture of the soil 

 should be such that it warms quickly in the 

 spring and the roots should never be set where 

 there is any standing water. Drainage is very 

 important. 



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