Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Lulu on April 09, 2010, 19:42

Title: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Lulu on April 09, 2010, 19:42
The only plant that I inherited on my plot 3 years ago was a rhubarb.  It is growing on the bank of the stream at the bottom of my allotment.  I have had a go at clearing some of brambles away to ease access to the stream.  Sitting there is this sprouting rhubarb against all the odds.  The thing is, it is so close to the water I think it needs moving.  I don't know anything about growing it and as a child I didn't like it.  I think I would like to try to save it - any suggestions on how to move it correctly and what is the way to grow it?????
Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Lardman on April 09, 2010, 19:49
If is has survived the last 3 years why do you think it needs to be moved?

Out of the way is an idea place for it to be, clear some of the weeds from around it, give it a mulch with some well rotted and stand back.  :D

If you want to move it you're really at the wrong end of the season, lift it in autumn, split the crown up and replant in a well weeded, well fed spot.

Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Tattie Bogle on April 09, 2010, 19:51
I have just moved one (well a couple of months ago) on my plot. I just dug it out, split the root into 5, around the crowns where new shoots emerged, and replanted. Then heaped a pile of compost around the root and on the top. They seem to be doing great now.

Hope this helps,

TBo
Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Lulu on April 09, 2010, 19:56
If is has survived the last 3 years why do you think it needs to be moved?

I think I need to move it because I am in danger of joining the frogs in the stream if I don't, its that close to the water. Harvesting could a wet job!

















Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Ice on April 09, 2010, 20:00
If you really don't think you can wait for novemberish then have a go at moving it.  The plants are as tough as old boots.   :)
Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: mikem on April 09, 2010, 20:05
I hope that you don't mind me saying this as you clearly may know that it is rhubarb as you may have used it already.  But there is another plant that looks like rhubarb that grows on the banks of streams/rivers.  I don't know what it is called but I know that it looks like rhubarb.  Perhaps not a very helpful response but I thought that I should point that out.  Perhaps somebody else could give more details if necessary.
Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Ice on April 09, 2010, 20:10
Gunnera. :)
Title: Re: I have a rhubarb -please help it
Post by: Lulu on April 09, 2010, 20:47
My husbands father planted it apparently and the family have eaten it.  its rhubarb. :)