One of the only perennial vegetables, Rhubarb grows best in cooler climates. You will find that by planting it is a cooler climate it will be the easiest to care for and grow. Highly desirable in dishes such as cobblers and pies, rhubarb can grow for over 20 years if well taken care of.
How to Grow Rhubarb Step-by-Step
Growing rhubarb isn’t difficult if you follow these simple steps.
1.) Obtain a starter rhubarb plant – these are readily available through a variety of catalogs and nurseries.
2.) Plant rhubarb in early spring; as soon as you can work the ground. If you live in an area with a mild climate you will need to plant in the fall.
3.) Plant your rhubarb in a low traffic area with full sunlight. It cannot be disturbed. The soil should be well-drained and fertilized. You should not plant in areas that contain heavy clay soil or the roots will rot before it even sprouts.
4.) Plant starters no closer than 3 feet apart. This spacing is critical so that each plant has enough room.
5.) Continually add lots of compost to the rhubarb bed, especially when the stalks begin to appear.
6.) Be sure to remove seed stalks as soon as they appear. If not, your plant will stop producing stalks. These look considerably different than the edible stalks.
7.) Ensure that your rhubarb plants are being properly watered. They will require one inch per week.
8.) Refrain from harvesting any of your plants for the first year. The second year you will want to harvest modestly. The third year on you can harvest as desired.
Growing Rhubarb for Additional Uses
There are a variety of uses of rhubarb besides cooking. It is also good for cleaning pots and pans, believe it or not. If you are looking to restore the shine to your burnt pots adding some rhubarb will do the drink. This is also an environmentally friendly option. You can use rhubarb as a hair dye. This will add a golden glow to those who have blond or light brown hair. Finally, rhubarb can be used as an environmentally friendly insecticide. This will repel any leaf eating insect.
Potential Health Benefits of Rhubarb
There are a variety of potential health benefits from growing rhubarb. Rhubarb has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Some studies indicate that rhubarb may help in reducing the risk of cancer. Rhubarb may also improve your circulation and lower your cholesterol, reducing your risk to heart disease. Rhubarb can also be used as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis sufferers. Rhubarb can also improve the affects of allergies. Studies show rhubarb to have a positive effect on your lungs as well.
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