Rhubarb in April: monthly care

Rhubarb thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers a rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Loam and clay soils suit it well, provided they don't become waterlogged in winter. Choose a permanent spot, as established rhubarb crowns can crop for ten years or more and dislike being moved. Plant rhubarb crowns (dormant root sections with at least one bud) in March, April, October, or November. Autumn planting allows roots to establish before winter, while spring planting suits heavier soils that stay cold and wet. Prepare the site by digging in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to a depth of at least 30 cm, as rhubarb is a hungry feeder. Space crowns 90 cm apart to allow for their eventual spread of 80–120 cm. Plant each crown so the tip of the bud sits just below the soil surface—about 2–3 cm deep. Planting too deeply can cause the bud to rot; too shallow and frost may damage it. Firm the soil gently around the crown and water in well, even if planting in autumn. After planting, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted manure or compost around (but not directly over) the crown to suppress weeds and feed the soil. Keep the area weed-free, especially in the first year, as young rhubarb doesn't compete well. Water during dry spells in the first growing season to help roots establish. Avoid harvesting any stems in the first year; let the plant build strength. In the second year, take only a few stems, then harvest freely from year three onwards.

Rhubarb has moderate water needs. Water regularly during dry spells in spring and summer, especially while stems are developing, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. In autumn and winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Mulch around the crown each spring with a 5–8 cm layer of well-rotted manure or garden compost; this suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, and feeds the soil as it breaks down. Feed rhubarb twice a year. In March, as growth begins, apply a generous mulch of manure or a handful of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) scattered around each crown. In September, after harvesting has finished, apply another mulch or feed to replenish nutrients and support next year's crop. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in autumn, as they can encourage soft growth vulnerable to frost. Rhubarb is fully hardy (zone 3a–8b) and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The crown dies back completely and re-emerges in spring. Overwintering is straightforward: simply clear away dead foliage in late autumn and top-dress with compost or manure. Pests are rarely a serious problem. Slugs occasionally nibble emerging shoots in spring; use organic slug pellets or barriers if damage is severe. Crown rot can occur in waterlogged soil, causing the crown to turn soft and brown—prevention is key, so ensure good drainage. Honey fungus is a rare but fatal disease; if a crown collapses suddenly, dig it out and do not replant rhubarb in that spot. Otherwise, rhubarb is a robust, low-maintenance crop that rewards minimal effort with years of reliable harvests.

Rhubarb has moderate water needs. Water regularly during dry spells in spring and summer, especially while stems are developing, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. In autumn and winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Mulch around the crown each spring with a 5–8 cm layer of well-rotted manure or garden compost; this suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, and feeds the soil as it breaks down. Feed rhubarb twice a year. In March, as growth begins, apply a generous mulch of manure or a handful of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as blood, fish and bone) scattered around each crown. In September, after harvesting has finished, apply another mulch or feed to replenish nutrients and support next year's crop. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in autumn, as they can encourage soft growth vulnerable to frost. Rhubarb is fully hardy (zone 3a–8b) and needs no winter protection in temperate Europe. The crown dies back completely and re-emerges in spring. Overwintering is straightforward: simply clear away dead foliage in late autumn and top-dress with compost or manure. Pests are rarely a serious problem. Slugs occasionally nibble emerging shoots in spring; use organic slug pellets or barriers if damage is severe. Crown rot can occur in waterlogged soil, causing the crown to turn soft and brown—prevention is key, so ensure good drainage. Honey fungus is a rare but fatal disease; if a crown collapses suddenly, dig it out and do not replant rhubarb in that spot. Otherwise, rhubarb is a robust, low-maintenance crop that rewards minimal effort with years of reliable harvests.