Rhubarb. 



287 



RHUBARB. 



Rheum hybridum. 



RHUBARB is in such general use that it would be difficult 

 to find an old-established kitchen garden without a bed. 

 It will grow well in most kinds of soil which have received 

 a reasonable amount of preparation, and it seldom suffers 

 seriously either from the weather or from pests or diseases. 

 Its culture frequently forms an important part of general 

 market gardening, whilst in some districts the forcing of early 

 supplies has become a specialised industry with an enormous 

 output. The demand for Rhubarb during the early part 

 of the season is constant and steady, the prices realised do 



not often fluctuate very widely 

 and usually show a good margin 

 of profit. On the other hand it 

 is a crop which takes up a com- 

 paratively large area of land when 

 worked for market, and where the 

 holding is small this is a matter 

 needing serious consideration, 

 because a limited area (if it is 

 subjected to good culture) can be 

 made to yield a much greater 

 profit when cropped with other 

 vegetables. Another matter of 

 great importance is the weight 

 and bulk of the crop, which cause 

 heavy expenses for carriage when 

 the garden is situated at a considerable distance from the 

 market. At the same time, when the crop can be disposed of 

 locally, or when markets are within a reasonable distance, 

 Rhubarb, either forced or grown naturally, is well worth the 

 attention of every market gardener. 



Preparation of the Soil. The ideal soil for Rhubarb is a deep 

 rich loam, cool and moist, and well-drained. Where such a soil 

 does not exist steps should be taken to make the conditions 

 answer to this description as nearly as possible, because the 

 deeper and richer the soil the finer will be the quality and size 



Forced Rhubarb. 



