Ashleigh Smith + photo

Ashleigh Smith

Apr 25
2 min read
bubble 0

Rhubarb is one plant that many people have had at least once is one plant that many people have had at least once, thanks to their grandmothers. But did you know it has a wide variety of uses? You can add it to anything from a drink to a dessert, salad, sauces, salsas, and cocktails. While my grandmother's strawberry rhubarb pie was delicious, I have come to like rhubarb in many other things.

Unlike many plants in your garden, rhubarb is a perennial that comes back year after year. It also does well in climates that experience a dormant period. When planning your garden, select a location where the rhubarb can be left with minimal disruption as you prepare your garden each spring.

To plant, select a full sun location with well-draining soil. After planting rhubarb, wait 1-2 years to harvest to allow your plant to become well-established. You can expect your rhubarb to reach about 3 feet in size. To promote healthy growth, plan on digging or dividing your plants every 3-4 years to encourage more growth.

How to Harvest Rhubarb:

To harvest rhubarb, simply cut, or pull and twist the red stalks rising from the soil. Immediately use a knife to remove the leaves of your harvested stalks. The leaves of rhubarb are not edible as they are toxic with a natural irritating chemical. If you will not use the stalks immediately, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate them. For long-term storage, cut into sections and freeze in an airtight bag. This method will last about a year.

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. Extend Your Harvest: 10 Vegetables to Start Indoors for Fallgardener harvesting cauliflower

    Extend Your Harvest: 10 Vegetables to Start Indoors for Fall

    Written By Lara Wadsworth For many gardeners, fall symbolises the end of the gardening season. The smart gardeners see fall as another opportunity to plant a new phase of their garden. Starting seeds indoors, just like you would for spring and summer g...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-30
    8 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Grass to Garden: Chemical-Free Lawn Conversion Using Solarizationsolarization of lawn grass into a garden plot

    Grass to Garden: Chemical-Free Lawn Conversion Using Solarization

    Written By Lara Wadsworth If you've ever looked at a patch of grass or weeds in your yard and envisioned a flourishing garden in its place, you're not alone. Converting lawn space into productive garden beds is a rewarding endeavor, but manually removi...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-23
    6 min read
    bubble 0
  3. How to Improve Soil Fertility Naturally: Tips for a Thriving Gardenshovel in soil with gardeners boots in background

    How to Improve Soil Fertility Naturally: Tips for a Thriving Garden

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, one thing's for sure: the secret to a thriving garden lies beneath your feet. Garden soil fertility is a major contributor to plant health and the overall productivit...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-16
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  4. Garden Guardians: The Top Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest ControlPraying mantis

    Garden Guardians: The Top Beneficial Insects for Natural Pest Control

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The garden is a complex ecosystem that relies on a mix of organisms to create a flourishing growing environment. While pests can lead to destructive damage, beneficial insects act as a balance by consuming them before they com...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-07-15
    5 min read
    bubble 7