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  • Rhubarb

    Just a simple question , I planted a new Timberley early rhubarb crown in march it is now going really well loads of lovely stalks now i know i should not pull it this year , mind you it does seem a waste but never mind will it be ok if i just cut the big leaves off and leave the fruit ? as i want to make a garden pest spray with the leaves

  • #2
    You could just pull FEW stems and use the leaves if the plant is vigorous. Shame to waste the stalks and it is the leaves that build up the plant for next year.
    Gardening requires a lot of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. Lou Erickson, critic and poet

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    • #3
      Originally posted by gullivar33 View Post
      if i just cut the big leaves off and leave the fruit ?
      What are you calling the fruit? Do you mean the stem? I'm wondering whether a flower has grown. In which case that does need removing asap.

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      • #4
        SORRY i mean the stem i never had rhubarb like this b4 , so it be the leaves that put the goodness back ?

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        • #5
          Originally posted by gullivar33 View Post
          SORRY i mean the stem i never had rhubarb like this b4 , so it be the leaves that put the goodness back ?
          The leaves do the photosynthesis, they take in CO2 from the atmosphere draw water from the ground and using light make carbohydrates (sugars) and oxygen. These sugars are burnt at night by the plant when needed (respiration) and also stored for future use.

          2n CO2 + 2n H2O + photons → 2(CH2O)n + 2n O2

          Without the leaves the plant cannot make energy . . .
          My allotment in pictures

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          • #6
            The leaves are the most important bit for building up energy for next year without a doubt. If you cut off the leaves you might just as well cut off the stalks, the stalks contribute very little to building up the plant for next year.

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            • #7
              Thank you all for the quick reply's, has anybody ever boiled up the leaves of rhubarb and used as a bug killer ? i have been told it is good stuff.

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              • #8
                You can do the same with garlic and chilli if you want to leave your rhubarb alone - have a search, I'm sure Two Sheds put up a recipe for it somewhere....

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                • #9
                  The chooks massacred my rhubarb last year. Should I expect it to come back this year? Or have they ruined it for me and I need to see if friend has any left in her garden to steal again?
                  Ali

                  My blog: feral007.com/countrylife/

                  Some days it's hardly worth chewing through the restraints!

                  One bit of old folklore wisdom says to plant tomatoes when the soil is warm enough to sit on with bare buttocks. In surburban areas, use the back of your wrist. Jackie French

                  Member of the Eastern Branch of the Darn Under Nutter's Club

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