Rhubarb leaves

[mandyballantyne]

Hi All,

Been trying to find some rhubarb leaves so that I can kill off the pests that are munching through my crops but can't find any.

Can you use the stalks or does it have to be the leaves? Was going to buy some from the supermarket to try.....

Does anyone know where I can buy any? Have looked in the local garden centres.

Thanks, Mandy

[Lesley Jay]

You will not be able to buy any from the supermarket because they are poisonous. It's getting a bit late now but have you checked out local allotment sites?

[andrewo]

Most rhubarb is dying back now and most allotmenteers and gardeners won't give them to you as you are supposed to leave the few leaves on to give some power to the crowns. You never crop any leaves after a certain period. Yet, do try a few allotments and you may be in luck.

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks I will try and find some local allotments.

mandy

[NEWTO THE PLOT]

and what do the leaves do? and what would you do with them? all i ever do with them is through them on the groud can remember being told it does the rhubarb good

[dwrudd]

The best use for the leaves is to tear them up roughly, throw them into a barrell or bucket of water, and water over brassicas every two weeks to stop them getting munched.

Works too

Darren

[Snadger]

Supposed to be an 'old wives tale' but if you put a piece of leaf in the hole you plant cabbages in its supposed to deter clubroot!

Oxalic acid is the active ingredient I think, and it appears to have worked on my Spring Cabbages planted in clubroot infected land!

I suppose its possible the old wives tell the truth around my neck of the woods!

[nick the grief]

Old wives don't lie -do they LJ

[rustylady]

How come, if rhubarb leaves are so poisonous, the *** snails in my garden carry on munching them??

[Lesley Jay]

You bloody cheeky sod Nick!!

[anthonyjb]

lesley please you are a lady
Anthony

[Lesley Jay]

Yes I know Anthony! Woman thro' and thro'!!!

[nick the grief]

Who told you that Anthony

[Lesley Jay]

I can see my pea cane will be needed on you Nick!!

[anthonyjb]

and me please
Anthony