[mikethetyke]

As a new allotment person, I found, lurking in a corner, some rhubarb, trying to survive among all the undesirables. The stalks, although plentiful are rather on the lean side, is there a way to thin the plant out to beef up the sticks? I would appreciate any input on this, thanks.

[Ice]

Sounds as if it's been neglected.  Give it a liquid feed and then dress it with lots of rotted manure over winter.  If it's been there some time you could lift and divide in Novemberish.  I've not heard of beefing them up by picking the stalks.

[fatbelly]

From my limited Rhubarb knowledge, there is not much you can do for this season.

Like ICE says give it a feed now and try not to pick too many of the stalks so that the leaves can put energy back into the plant, keep its growing area weed free so its not in competition with anything and then in the Autumn give it a lavish application of well rotted manure and look to it being renewed next season.

[Aunt Sally]

Give it lots of water too.  It's a very thirsty plant.