RHUBARB:

Te Ao Hou, August 1957, Page 57

RHUBARB: This will succeed in any fairly good soil if deeply worked and well manured. The ground should be trenched at least to a depth of 18 inches to 2 feet and then plenty of farm yard or fowl manure incorporated. The best plan is to purchase roots, about 25 will provide sufficient, for the average family. Once planted, they can remain in the same place for years. Thus, it must be understood that an ample supply of manure should be thoroughly applied at planting time. When establishing the roots place it in an upright position, fill in the soil, taking care to press it firmly around the roots, cover the crown with about 3 inches of soil, putting each root about 3 feet apart in the row. One practice that must be remembered is that the soil must be kept loose and free of weeds. Do not pull stalks the first year, but during summer months, give an occasional watering with liquid manure, either pig, sheep, cow or fowl will do. Once a year give a good dressing of stable manure and then fork the soil over between the plants. Good varieties suitable for planting are: Myatts Victoria for summer, and Topps Winter for winter use. Planting can take place either in autumn or spring.