The soil for rhubarb should be deep, and there is little danger of
having it too rich. Like asparagus the seedling plants of rhubarb can
be grown and transplanted. Ten to twelve good hills are sufficient to
produce all the rhubarb required by the average family, and these are
most easily established by planting pieces of roots taken from another
bed. Good roots may be secured from dealers and seedsmen at about
$1.50 a dozen. The old hills may be divided in the early spring or
late fall by digging away the earth on one side and cutting the hill
in two with a sharp spade, the part removed being used to establish a
new hill. The usual method of planting rhubarb is to set the plants in
a single row along the garden fence, and the hills should be about 4
feet apart. If more than one row is planted the hills should be 3-1/2
or 4 feet each way. The thick leaf stems are the part used, and none
should be pulled from the plants the first year after setting. Rhubarb
should receive the same treatment during winter as asparagus, and the
plants should never be allowed to ripen seed. The roots may be brought
into the greenhouse, pit, cold frame, or cellar during the winter and
forced. Rhubarb does not thrive in warm climates. The use of rhubarb is
principally during the early spring for making pies and sauces, and the
stems may be canned for winter use.--(F. B. 255; N. Car. E. S. 132; U.
Id. E. S. 10.)