Recommendations to fit all conditions are difficult to make. The appearance of the plants has to be a guide. Keep in mind the vigorous top growth in one season is the best assurance for a good yield the following season. Hand weeding the first year is a necessity, as herbicide use may damage plants. In subsequent years, the use of herbicides such as Simazine and Treflan will control most weeds.
Harvesting Depending on the vigor of the plants, some harvesting can take place the first year.
The cutting season should be short the first and second season, but the following year's cutting may begin when the first shoots appear and continue for about six weeks. Do not cut in the last week of June. The shoots are best cut when 6 to 10 inches high. Push a knife into the soil close to the shoot, cutting it slightly below the soil surface, or simply snap the shoot off with your fingers. Allow the Tops to Stand Allow the tops to stand over winter to catch and hold snow.