Cultivating rhubarb: Tips for a bountiful garden harvest
Rhubarb is a plant that not only adds visual appeal to the garden but also enhances our culinary ventures. However, how can you ensure its healthy growth and plentiful yields? Here are some tips.
Rhubarb has been a staple in our gardens and kitchens for centuries. Its distinctive, red stalks are not only delicious but also packed full of vitamins. It's important to note that rhubarb is not just an ingredient for compotes or cakes; it is a plant that demands proper care. So, how do you cultivate rhubarb in the garden?
What should you know about rhubarb?
Rhubarb is a perennial plant from the buckwheat family, characterised by large green leaves and thick red stalks. This plant can grow up to 1.5 metres (5 feet), and its leaves can be as wide as 60 centimetres (24 inches). Rhubarb is a perennial, meaning that once planted, it will provide crops for many years.
How to plant rhubarb?
Before planting rhubarb, you need to properly prepare the soil. Rhubarb thrives in fertile, well-draining soil rich in nutrients.
The choice of location also matters. This plant prefers sunny spots but can also fare well in partial shade. It's important that the area is sheltered from strong winds that can damage its delicate leaves. The best time to plant rhubarb is in early spring or autumn.
How to care for rhubarb?
Caring for rhubarb isn't complicated but does require consistency. Watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Rhubarb needs moist soil, so regular watering is essential, particularly on hot days.
How to fertilise rhubarb? Rhubarb needs intensive fertilisation. Before planting, it's beneficial to enrich the soil with manure or compost. Once the rhubarb is growing, you can also use organic fertilisers or nitrogen fertilisers like urea.
When to harvest and how to use rhubarb?
The best time to harvest rhubarb is in the spring when the stalks are about 30 centimetres (12 inches) long. It's important not to pick all the stalks at once, as this allows the plant to continue growing and regenerating. Rhubarb can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen.
Although rhubarb leaves are inedible, they make an excellent material for preparing eco-friendly sprays to combat aphids and snails. Simply prepare a decoction from the leaves and spray it regularly on plants to effectively deter pests.
