[MickyB]

I don't know if I will be able to stop myself from picking my Rhubarb in the first year!

I know that the clever advise says not to but realistically unless I am put off the temptation is probably just going to be to great for me to resist - can you help me by listing all the reasons why I shouldn't.

[Aunt Sally]

I'm sure a little tiny taste won't do too much harm - but just a little tiny taste 

[Trillium]

By picking in the first year, it sets the plant back a few years so your proper full harvest won't arrive at the suggested time. You'll still be picking only a few each year for longer. Does that help?   

[DD.]

At most, I'd lick one of the stems without pulling it. 

[Aunt Sally]

 

[MickyB]

I am with whoever says yes I can. 

[DD.]

Ah - the old "I'll keep on asking the question until someone gives me the answer I want" syndrome. We're used to that! 

[Aunt Sally]

I already said yes 

It's not a good idea but one or two stalks is irresistible 

[Nikkithefoot]

Like Aunt Sally I would say two stalks maximum, but no more.

Its still very early in the growing season, so if you can wait then wait a few weeks, say until April, to give the plant time to grow on a bit, then pick (only 2) then leave well alone until next year.

Next year so long as the plants are looking good then possibly up to half a dozen stalks during the season, but no more.

Year 3 go for it, pick away.

[m1ckz]

u must have a few friends on the lotty...pick theres   ha ha haaaa

[smellykipper]

u must have a few friends on the lotty...pick theres   ha ha haaaa

very true, lots and lots up ours 

[Nobbie]

Maybe take a couple of sticks later in the season once they've put some strength back into the plant. Certainly wouldn't touch them early in the season. When the leaves start crowding each other for light I reckon you're not losing too much as the light will be absorbed by the other leaves anyway.

[New shoot]

u must have a few friends on the lotty...pick theres   ha ha haaaa

very true, lots and lots up ours 

I let loads of people on our site pick my rhubarb 'cos I have more than enough to share. Mind you they always ask first    I get veg back from them later in the year to say thank you    Maybe negotiate with a plot neighbour for a trade and just pick a stick or two from yours as suggested 

At most, I'd lick one of the stems without pulling it. 

  ........... this strategy may make your plot neighbours re-think trading with you and start taking detours round the site to avoid walking past you on your plot 

[MickyB]

Ah - the old "I'll keep on asking the question until someone gives me the answer I want" syndrome. We're used to that! 

  I have to admit I was hoping for the green light to pick some  but if the general opinion was steadfast against picking this year I would of heeded the advise. (honest  )

This year my plot neighbour moved his Rhubarb patch and donated some of the extra crowns to me however I had already purchased some which went in around October time - so I  will restrict myself to a couple of stalks from the stuff that went in first and savour the taste.

Thanks everyone! 

[LilacSandy]

MickyB, you say you have had 'some crowns' from your neighbour, and you have already purchased 'some'.  I am hoping you have a big plot, or are only planning to live on Rhubarb and custard and Rhubarb wine, these things grow huge.