[SpudtheBinx]

Hi, I inherited a rhubarb patch when I took on my allotment last year, it was very overgrown but I have cleared it all back. The problem is the rhubarb is not doing well at all. The crowns are massive but the leaves are small and the stems probably about 4 inches long. I haven't fed it at all. Should I wait untill its dormant, dig the whole lot up and split the crowns while digging in manure? Is there anything I can do now to get a good crop as I was really hoping to make some rhubarb port this year? I do have a load of chicken manure pellets I can use. It is in partial shade, underneath an ash tree that has been cut right back and near some brambles. I will see if I have a photo anywhere later and post that too. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

David

[richyrich7]

Sounds like lack of feed to me hoe in some chicken pellets that may help, next autumn when it dies back put loads of muck on it  

It does sound as though it has a lot of competition for its food anyway, ash tree + brambles try to dig out any roots near to it that may help as well.

[Alex 98]

Dig it up, split the crowns and re-plant in new position, into prepared soil
ie with well rotted manure and some growmore.
Some varieties need moving every 3 years

Alex 98

[gobs]

I don't think it will do particularly well this year in either case, so you might as well divide it, whilst it's damp and cold and plant up in well manured place for next season.

[SpudtheBinx]

Thanks for the replies I have a shady spot I could move it too if I divide it. Does rhubarb tollerate shade well?

[DD.]

Rhubarb prefers sun, but will tolerate partial shade.