RHUBARB AND ASPARAGUS 



If one-year-old roots are set, the stalKs 

 should be ready to pull in three years. Let 

 the plant have time to establish itself before 

 harvesting the crop. 



Whenever the seed stalks appear, cut them 

 off. Pulling the seed stalk endangers the 

 crown bud. In harvesting rhubarb do not cut 

 off the leaf stalks. Hold the stalk firmly with 

 both hands and give a sidewise twist while pull- 

 ing it toward you. In this way the stalk is 

 freed from the crown without injuring the 

 buds. Stop harvesting^ about July 1, and 

 give the plant a chance to store food in the 

 roots for next year's crop. 



During the summer cultivate frequently. 

 Apply, in two applications to each plant 

 just before a rain, one-half cupful of nitrate 

 of soda and one-half cupful of bone meal. 

 Scatter this fertilizer around the crown and 

 work it into the soil. Nitrate of soda alone ap- 

 plied at intervals throughout the growing 

 season is of the greatest value. 



If the stalks become spindly after five years 

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