Rhubarb

[Rooster]

Hello All,

Could anyone tell me how you can tell if Rhubarb is ready to harvest please

Thanks, Ian

[shirlthegirl43]

Quite simply if the stalks are big enough to use Rooster. Pull a few gently from the outside of the crown. Cut off the green leafy bit and discard

[Rooster]

Thanks Shirley,

Am I right in thinking that the leaves are not good on the compost heap by the way?

Ian

[Birdie Wife]

They compost down okay Rooster, just don't put loads on in one go, layer them with other stuff.

I remember Snadger posted a great tip last year about avoiding clubroot in brassicas by diggin the hole for the seedling and lining it with rhubarb leaf before planting the seedling in it. Can't remember if it worked or not!

[Rooster]

I'm not sure why but I had it in my head that the leaves were poisonous

Ian

[gardenplot]

Yes I have heard that too !! Just pick when you think the stalks look nice big and juicy that’s what I do I also compost my leaves

[HeyWayne]

I'm not sure why but I had it in my head that the leaves were poisonous

Ian

They are to eat, but I doubt you need to worry about adding them to the compost heap. Of course, I could be wrong, I frequently am.

[rustylady]

Yes, rhubarb leaves are poisonous to humans because they contain high concentration of oxalic acid. However, they can be composted successfully. Interestingly the oxalic acid doesn't seem to affect slugs and particularly snails - I find them often on the underside of the leaves.