Rhubarb
Rosecottage2
Posts: 14
in Talkback
I've only been in this house for 6 months and have a patch of rhubarb completely in the wrong place. Is it possible to move it in June and how is it best done?
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Rosecottage2
Posts: 14
Rosecottage2
Posts: 14
Posts
Probably the worst time I fear. Best to leave it till it all dies down in the autumn and do it then.
Then (or before) dig a big hole where it's going and put in it as much manure as you can get hold of. Wool is good too, if you can get hold of an unwanted fleece or some discarded (discardied?) woollen clothes. They used to use wool shoddy in the famous Rhubarb Triangle of Yorkshire. Soak it in water then move the plants in and fill with soil. More water. More manure.
When you dig out the old plants get right underneath and try and take as much root as you can. If they're more than two or three years old you'll be able to divide them and get far more plants than you need (I'll take a couple off your hands!). Take good chunks from the outside each including at least one vigorous bud. You can discard the old woody bit in the middle. Use a sharp spade to cut it up.
I did this a few years ago and it worked a dream. We were even able to harvest it the first year (which isn't normally recommended).
Good luck!
Thanks for all the info - I had a feeling it wouldn't be a good idea to move it now!