Grow Your Own Magazine

Went out to the rhubarb a few days ago and discovered a disappointing crop (though I haven't manured or anything for the last 2 years, so this could be the reason) but more worryingly a weird sight on my rhubarb. One of the plants looks just like someone has snapped the stems off a few inches from the base then cut a cross on the top end, as each stem has split down the middle and peeled back to create a starburst effect. I've never seen anything like it. There's no sign of the leaves or the rest of the stems.
Anyone ever seen this before?

I was inclined to say that maybe someone had nicked some and, not knowing the savvy way to harvest rhubarb, has cut or snapped the stem rather than pulling it. But as hubby points out, unless someone actually ventured onto our land and round the back, they wouldn't know it was there anyway.

It's a mystery! (one which unfortunately means no surplus rhubarb for freezing or jam making this year! )

if the leaves etc were there, I would say a dog (or fox) might have made a 'bed' on top of it. However, as all signs of the rhubarb is away, I think I would agree with you and say that some rotton toad has nicked your rhubarb

some ones stolen it ,kids maybe or the garden gnome