covered rhubarb

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by exlabman, Feb 17, 2011.

Page 1 of 2
  1. exlabman

    exlabman Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2010
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Paramedic
    Location:
    Eggborough, North Yorkshire
    Ratings:
    +18
    Hi,
    Last year I covered my rhubarb crown with compost for protection. It has now started to sprout through the raised mound.
    Should I uncover it now or later? This is its second year.

    My second plant still overwintering in the garage.

    Cheers
    David
     
    exlabman, Feb 17, 2011
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,851
    Hi, I split my Rhubarb into 5 viable parts last November. Three parts went into separate compost filled buckets while the other two went back into the soil on a new site. All are pushing up into leaf from compost/soil without having any protection during this awful winter. So I would say, uncover it now and let it grow as it's a really tough plant! I wouldn't harvest it this year though [disappointing advice I know]. I certainly won't harvest mine this year but will give a chance to establish itself. I grew this particular plant from seed 30 years ago and it's still going strong - now that's value!!
     
    ARMANDII, Feb 17, 2011
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    I'm forcing a clump in the pillbox, its just started to sprout :dbgrtmb:

    It will be put out and allowed to rest for a year afterwards though.
     
    Phil A, Feb 17, 2011
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,851
    I don't why, Ziggy, but I've never forced my Rhubarb. I seen a lot programs where they mention it and read about it but was never ever tempted to do it. I'd rather let it get to normal size and use it then!!
     
    ARMANDII, Feb 17, 2011
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  5. exlabman

    exlabman Gardener

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2010
    Messages:
    217
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Paramedic
    Location:
    Eggborough, North Yorkshire
    Ratings:
    +18
    Hi,
    Do you know why they shouldn't be harvested first 2 years as the stems wilt and die back if not picked anyway.

    Cheers
     
    exlabman, Feb 17, 2011
    #5 Quote in Conversation
  6. Alice

    Alice Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2006
    Messages:
    2,775
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Perthshire
    Ratings:
    +82
    Rhubarb is tough stuff and I think you always get more than you can use - even from a couple of clumps.

    Exlabman, the theory is it shouldn't be harvested in first year or two as it weakens the plant.
    Frankly, some of it needs weakening - if you want some rhubarb I would take it.

    Armandii - I always do some forced rhubarb. Forced rhubarb is so pink and sweet and juicy. Never anything strong or stringy or sour about it.

    It's just lovely very lightly stewed on its own as an accompaniment to a sweet dish or as a sauce to rich meat. Look at the price of it in a supermarket and you'll see what a luxury item it is.

    This just reminds me to go and get a bucket and get some started :D
     
    Alice, Feb 17, 2011
    #6 Quote in Conversation
  7. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    The stems wither & die back to use the suns energy to build up a strong rootstock. Treat Rhubarb like you would Asparagus, plenty of rotted poo & a good sunny site, after all. its going to be in the same place for years. Good dressing of compost every autumn & get plenty of custard powder.

    Alice, I was thinking of just eating the forced Rhubarb raw, dipped in demarara sugar, stolen by moonlight from a street Café.
     
    Phil A, Feb 17, 2011
    #7 Quote in Conversation
  8. lukenotts

    lukenotts Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2011
    Messages:
    443
    Occupation:
    Self Employed Landscape Gardener
    Location:
    Nottinghamshire - UK
    Ratings:
    +5
    I tried putting custard powder on our clump of rhubarb last year... but it didnt do it much good. :DOH: Whoever mentioned that... :th_scifD36:

    :loll:

    Glad to hear im not the only one who pinches 'additional' sachets of sugar... or was you just joking... maybe I am the only tightwad in the village. :heehee: :dbgrtmb:
     
    lukenotts, Feb 17, 2011
    #8 Quote in Conversation
  9. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    There is no sugar sweeter than a sugar that is free :heehee:
     
    Phil A, Feb 17, 2011
    #9 Quote in Conversation
  10. lukenotts

    lukenotts Gardener

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2011
    Messages:
    443
    Occupation:
    Self Employed Landscape Gardener
    Location:
    Nottinghamshire - UK
    Ratings:
    +5
    And there is always a lovely non offensive word to use if you ever get caught...

    'OH S***R'

    :D
     
    lukenotts, Feb 17, 2011
    #10 Quote in Conversation
  11. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,851
    I agree Ziggy, I wouldn't harvest Rhubarb until the 3rd year to let it build itself up. It's not an old gardeners myth but comes from the old Head Gardeners experience while in the employ of the Big Old House estates. They had to supply stuff on demand by the House Cook, including forced Rhubarb, or get an earful! Some of the old books I've got going back to the 1850's mention the Head Gardeners keeping different plot of Rhubarb, Them for forcing and them for later stomachs!

    I will give forced Rhubarb a try this year, Alice, as I've got 3 clumps in 3 buckets so I can force one of them without touching the clumps in the soil. So I'll take your good advice - and look up a few recipes - unless you can help me out on that?

    Ziggy, me 'ol pal me 'ol beauty!, you have such a lovely turn of phrase - It literally had me wanting to eat Rhubarb then and there! By the way, do Rhubarb leaves wither or do they crumble??
     
    ARMANDII, Feb 17, 2011
    #11 Quote in Conversation
  12. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

    Ratings:
    +0
    :D

    For oft when on my couch I lye, in vacant or in pensive mood,

    I flash upon that inward eye, which is the bliss of solitude,

    Then my heart with pleasure fills and wanders in the Rhubarb fields.

    Appologies to the late great poet.

    Sorry, they were making me hungry on the other, other thread last night. Had to get my own back, you weren't the target audience though.

    Bother, made myself hungry for a creamy Rhubarb Yoghurt now :DOH:
     
    Phil A, Feb 17, 2011
    #12 Quote in Conversation
  13. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,851
    For an ex-squaddy, [and believe me I have the greatest respect for them!], you have a very poetic and romantic state of mind!! - and we're all the better for it. Oh, and you made me hungry again!
     
    ARMANDII, Feb 17, 2011
    #13 Quote in Conversation
  14. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    67,266
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +134,091

    [hr]

    Ziggy,

    you must be a bit daffy! :heehee:
     
    shiney, Feb 17, 2011
    #14 Quote in Conversation
  15. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,851
    Well, Shiney, according to the rumours in the village "there's tight and there's tight - and then there's you!"
     
    ARMANDII, Feb 17, 2011
    #15 Quote in Conversation
Page 1 of 2
Loading...
Similar Threads - covered rhubarb
  1. Dant27

    What to put in newly discovered rockery?

    Dant27, Apr 3, 2025, in forum: NEW Gardeners !
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    710
    Dant27
    Apr 4, 2025
  2. TheGavnor

    Best machinery for clearing weed covered borders.

    TheGavnor, Mar 15, 2025, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
    Replies:
    8
    Views:
    875
    TheGavnor
    Mar 17, 2025
  3. Itsme9484

    Ivy covered tree

    Itsme9484, Feb 4, 2025, in forum: Trees
    Replies:
    16
    Views:
    1,599
    infradig
    Feb 5, 2025
  4. Trowelanderror

    Conifer covered in ivy

    Trowelanderror, Jun 20, 2024, in forum: Trees
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,016
    Butterfly6
    Jun 20, 2024
  5. Jack Sparrow

    Improvising a covered walkway

    Jack Sparrow, Jul 21, 2021, in forum: Garden Projects and DIY
    Replies:
    29
    Views:
    2,983
    Jack Sparrow
    Jan 15, 2022

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice