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Rhubarb is generally an extremely hardy vegetable, yet it may still be vulnerable to certain diseases. Fungus and bacteria infections are the usual culprits; however, with proper site selection and care this problem can be avoided. Select a garden site with ample drainage, few weeds and organic matter content for optimal soil fertility and water conservation in dry weather. Mulching is another effective way of improving the health and structure of soil as it keeps moisture at bay while increasing soil fertility. Red Leaf Many rhubarb problems begin in the soil. Fungus infections and diseases that rot roots and stems

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Rhubarb plants typically thrive in containers and raised beds, yet may struggle under less-than-ideal growing conditions. Soggy, waterlogged soil robs roots of oxygen supply. Applying balanced fertilizers at the appropriate times throughout spring and fall will increase nutrient levels in rhubarb plants, keeping it healthy and blooming well. This is the key to keeping it looking its best! Pests and Diseases As with any vegetable, rhubarb can be susceptible to pests and diseases that threaten its survival. Slugs and snails, in particular, are known to attack seedlings as well as mature plants in cool, dark, moist locations – so a

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Rhubarb plants can become affected with many diseases. Rhubarb crown rot, caused by Phytophthora, is often encountered during commercial production but rarely seen at home gardens. Rest and recharge this summer by enjoying long walks without your phone, reading for pleasure or simply sitting still and watching the birds fly by. Spring Rhubarb thrives best when planted in full sun with rich, well-draining soil with an ideal pH between 6.0 and 6.8, featuring plenty of organic matter for its roots to feed on. An inch or two of well-aged compost or manure added at planting time in spring should help

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Instead of planting from seeds, crown divisions are usually the preferred method for propagating rhubarb plants. These act like mini versions of their parent plant and produce faster results than seed-grown varieties. Start by digging a hole twice the size of the root ball, filling it with loose soil and compost (or well-rotted manure), before planting your rhubarb division in it and firming up its surroundings. Digging Before transplanting or purchasing crowns from a nursery, it is essential to prepare the new site properly for rhubarb transplanting. Rhubarb requires full sun and well-draining soil; choose an area with ample organic

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Forcing rhubarb allows you to accelerate its natural cycle and produce stems long before harvest time arrives. Indoor forcing offers more control than its outdoor equivalent in terms of environmental conditions for growth. Select a variety of rhubarb designed specifically for forcing. “Timperley Early” has been grown commercially in Yorkshire’s forcing sheds for more than a century, while “Stockbridge Arrow” offers reliable performance. December is the Perfect Month Rhubarb grown indoors typically produces stems much earlier than outdoor varieties, helping fill in the gap between winter produce and its availability for spring harvesting. Plus, indoor-grown rhubarb is much sweeter and

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Cloches provide delicate plants with protection from frost and pests, warming soil in order to promote early germination and improving plant health. Crafted from glass, plastic or even unorthodox materials like lengths of wood, they create a healthy microclimate which encourages growth while providing resilience against future attacks. Cloches can promote fungal disease if not handled appropriately; by addressing these issues, gardeners can improve cloche performance – making cloches an invaluable tool! Ventilation Most garden sheds, summer houses, free-standing garages and workshops are not as airtight as main homes, permitting warmer and damper air to rise inside, leading to condensation

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