[borderowl]

The rhubarb in my garden must be well over 20 years old. It has gone leggy and I must admit has been neglected. Should I buy a new crown and pull up the old stuff? or feed and nurture the old stuff? Is it too old? Regards kev

[mumofstig]

Leave it there for this year, you could feed it.

Next winter dig it up and divide it into wedges with some buds on  to replant 

[borderowl]

Thanks Mumofstig. Its just that I read somewhere that a rhubarb plant only lasted 10 years? So If I divide it up It 'll be just like starting a new plant?

[Salmo]

You still have time to divide and replant now but only just.

The replanted bits must not be picked this year to allow them to grow, and only lightly next year.

Rather than dig the whole plant out just dig down and chop a few healthy bits off with buds developing and replant them. Pieces about the size of your fist are about right. Leave the old plant in to produce what it will this year - probably dig it out once it has produced.

[RichardA]

Salmo is spot on and I did exactly that about 2 weeks ago. In effect I am moving the rhubarb bed but so as not to be without any to pull this season I have started a new bed with 4 offcuts of my own plus 2 of a bought in new variety. Next season I will take from them and the old bed will be dug out.
At same time I have potted up a wedge of an old one and one of the new ones so they can be kept safe and then go in my daughters garden later this year once she gets it sorted out.
R

[borderowl]

Thanks for the advice folks, that'll save me a few quid!