THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 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. 
