Rhubarb Care
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Rhubarb is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to grow and can produce delicious stalks that are perfect for use in pies, jams, and other culinary delights. If you are interested in growing rhubarb in your garden, this blog post will provide you with all the information you need to get started.
Choosing the Right Location
Before planting rhubarb, it is important to choose the right location for your plant. Rhubarb prefers a location that is in full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
Planting Rhubarb
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Rhubarb can be planted from seeds or crowns. Planting rhubarb from crowns is the easiest and quickest method. Crowns are sections of mature rhubarb plants that contain both the roots and the stems.
When planting rhubarb, dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the entire crown. The crown should be planted about 2-3 inches below the soil surface. Once the crown is in place, cover it with soil and water thoroughly.
Caring for Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention once it is established. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your rhubarb plants stay healthy and produce a bountiful harvest.
Watering: Rhubarb requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Be sure to water your plants regularly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Rhubarb plants benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil around the plants in the spring and again in the fall.
Mulching: Mulching around the base of your rhubarb plants can help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Rhubarb Forcers
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Rhubarb forcers are terracotta tubes with a lid that accomplish two things to get your rhubarb to produce early. In the earliest part of spring, it warms up on sunny days to create a warm pocket of soil and air around the plant. Then, when the lid is removed, the rhubarb will stretch toward the light leading to long, tender stalks. Using a forcer does stress the plant a bit so it recommended to only force the plants on alternating years.
Harvesting Rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks are ready to harvest in the spring, usually around April or May. To harvest, grasp the stalk at the base and pull gently. The stalk should snap off easily. Do not harvest all of the stalks from a plant at once, as this can weaken the plant. Instead, harvest only a few stalks at a time.
Conclusion
Growing rhubarb is an easy and rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious stalks year after year. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, rhubarb is a great choice for any garden.