How Do I Gro Rhubarb?

[whitespirit66]

I'm very inexperienced in matters of the soil. One thing that I would imagine would be easy to grow is rhubarb. I have never seen rhubarb seeds. How do I go about starting a patch?

[Lez]

The best way to grow rhubarb is to purchase a crown from a garden centre. there are several varieties to choose from or mail order. if you know some one with it growing already and they are lifting it ask for a piece of the crown and make sure it has a bud on it. they say that it is best to let the crown get frost on it before planting. fom that statement you will see you get your crown when the plant is dormant in winter. put plenty of well rotted compost in the ground where you are planting. it is advisable not to pick the first year as the plant is biulding strength. each spring give it a good dose of compost and if you are forcing the plant leave it after a while to allow it to recover. forcing takes a lot out of it. never force the same plant two years on the trot. should you see any flower stalks cut them out as they take the goodness and the plant will put all it's energy into flowers rather than stalks. be sparing when picking as again the plant will suffer if you pick it to much. other than that it can be left alone to get on with it. a very rewarding plant for little looking after I think. good luck.