The Food Club

Rhubarb, do Something with that Problem Corner of the Garden

Posted on 27. Jan, 2009 by Justin in Fruit, Vegetables

If like me you have a little corner of the garden which doesn't get much light and the soil isn't that great! So what can you do? I would suggest planting a rhubarb crown as it will provide lush green foliage and provide one of the earliest new season foods from your garden. 

Rhubarb isn't fussy about the soil it grows in as long as it's not going to be waterlogged in winter. The gardening books will tell you that you need an open site which is not shaded but my spot is anything but ideal. It might be an idea for you to let the plant to get established in the first year so you might have to leave it alone even if it has tempting stalks of rhubarb ready to pick. 

Once your rhubarb is established after 3 years you can start a process called forcing. This means you cover the plant with a plant pot or bucket in January and you will enjoy an early crop of rhubarb 6-8 weeks later. 

How do you care for the rhubarb each year?

1. Keep it well watered during dry spells
2. Put some well rotted manure over the crowns in January 
3. Feed the plant during the summer

The cost of a rhubarb crown is about £10 for 3 or £4 for one. If you have to buy two or three in a packet maybe get a friend to take one or two spares. 

Here is a photo of my difficult spot in the garden where I planted my Rhubarb two years ago. You can see where it is planted by the dark patch where I've put some well rotted manure over the crown.

Tags: forcing, forcing rhubarb, fruit patch, garden corner, growing rhubarb, rhubarb