Splitting & Transplanting Rhubarb For A Great Harvest

Summary

In this episode, the focus is on growing rhubarb, a staple vegetable often loved or hated. The host discusses the history and importance of rhubarb in allotments, sharing personal anecdotes and tips on transplanting and caring for it. Key points include the importance of nitrogen-rich fertilizers and organic matter, like chicken manure pellets and Greg annex, for healthy growth. The host also explains the process of preparing the soil, feeding the plants, and mulching. Viewers are encouraged to let the plants grow naturally and avoid harvesting rhubarb in the first year to ensure strong roots and future yields.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rhubarb is a versatile vegetable that is loved by some and disliked by others, but it's a staple for allotments.
• 😀 Rhubarb was once a common vegetable in allotments in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
• 😀 The speaker used to grow rhubarb on a different plot but did not bring it when they moved to the current site.
• 😀 The current plot owner allowed the speaker to take cuttings from an existing rhubarb plant.
• 😀 Rhubarb requires regular cutting to remain productive; otherwise, it can stop producing quality stems and leaves.
• 😀 The speaker dug a bed that previously had green manure, which helps attract worms and prevent soil compaction.
• 😀 To fertilize the rhubarb, the speaker used 6X chicken manure pellets, which are high in nitrogen—ideal for leafy crops.
• 😀 The speaker also used Greg Annex, an organic fertilizer, and sulfate of potash to support healthy rhubarb growth, especially for the stems.
• 😀 Rhubarb is a perennial plant, so it's important to feed it well when planting to ensure future crops, especially since the cuttings were recently uprooted.
• 😀 After planting the rhubarb, the speaker mulched the area with well-rotted bark to protect the soil and help with plant establishment.
• 😀 The speaker emphasized not harvesting rhubarb during the first year of growth, as letting the leaves die back naturally will nourish the roots for better future crops.

Q & A

Why is rhubarb considered a staple vegetable in allotments?

Rhubarb is a hardy, perennial vegetable that grows well in allotments. It’s versatile for making dishes like rhubarb crumble and pies, making it a favorite among gardeners. Historically, it was widely grown in allotments, especially during the mid-20th century, due to its easy maintenance and valuable harvest.

What are the benefits of using green manure in gardening?

Green manure helps improve soil health by adding organic matter, fixing nitrogen through plants like hairy vetch and field beans, and attracting worms to the surface. This creates a healthier, more fertile soil, which benefits the plants planted afterward, such as rhubarb.

Why is nitrogen important for growing rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a leafy crop that thrives on nitrogen. It helps promote the growth of strong leaves and stems. Fertilizers like chicken manure pellets, which are rich in nitrogen, are ideal for ensuring healthy rhubarb plants.

How do you prepare the soil before planting rhubarb?

Before planting rhubarb, it’s important to feed the soil with fertilizers that support leafy growth. Adding products like 6X chicken manure pellets, Greganex, and sulfate of potash helps provide the necessary nutrients. The soil should also be well-tilled to ensure proper root development.

What is the purpose of adding sulfate of potash when planting rhubarb?

Sulfate of potash is added to enhance the strength and quality of rhubarb stems. While it’s typically used for flowering plants, it also supports healthy stem growth in rhubarb, ensuring a sturdy and productive plant.

Why is mulching important when growing rhubarb?

Mulching with well-rotted bark helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil. It also gradually breaks down to add nutrients back into the soil, improving its fertility and creating a better environment for rhubarb to grow.

Should rhubarb be harvested in its first year after planting?

No, rhubarb should not be harvested in its first year. The focus during the first year is on establishing a strong root system. By allowing the leaves to grow and decompose, the plant can store energy in its roots for a better harvest in the following year.

What kind of fertilizer is best for rhubarb, and why?

Rhubarb benefits from fertilizers high in nitrogen, such as 6X chicken manure pellets, to promote leaf and stem growth. Organic fertilizers like Greganex are also beneficial as they are complete, improve soil structure, and provide balanced nutrients without harming the environment.

How does green manure contribute to the growth of rhubarb?

Green manure fixes nitrogen into the soil, attracting beneficial organisms like worms. These plants also protect the soil during winter, preventing compaction and erosion. This creates a nutrient-rich environment for rhubarb to thrive when planted the following season.

What should you do to help rhubarb establish itself in a new plot?

To help rhubarb establish itself, ensure the soil is well-prepared with proper fertilization and mulching. Rhubarb should be planted with its top slightly above the soil surface to avoid burying it too deep. Additionally, refrain from harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to build a strong root system.