@happy.smallholding: Forced rhubarb is so expensive to buy in the shops, but you can easily grow it at home! Rhubarb forcing is the practice of growing rhubarb plants in the dark. The lack of light and slightly warmer temperatures inside the forcer encourages the rhubarb stems to shoot up rapidly in search of the light. Because it grows so fast, forced rhubarb is ready earlier in the season than regular rhubarb. It’s also sweeter because the lack of light reduces the presence of oxalic acid (which normally makes rhubarb sour) in the stems. Rather than the usual reddy green the stems are a shocking pink 🩷🌱 To force a rhubarb plant, place a rhubarb forcer or something similar like an upturned bin or bucket over the crown just as it starts to bud. Make sure the light is completely excluded. Check once a week and harvest when the stems are about 30cm long or reaching the top of your forcer. Depending on the variety of rhubarb you have and where you are, your plants may still be in bud or only have small leaves which means you can still force your rhubarb! Only force established crowns that have been in the ground for at least one growing season. Don’t force the same crown for 2 years in a row as this can weaken the plant. Remember the leaves are poisonous - don’t eat the leaves! #rhubarb #selfsufficient #gyo #growyourown #growyourownfood #homestead #smallholding #garden #lovegardening #kitchengarden #veggarden #plants #igrewthis #ediblegarden #gardendesign #spreadsheets

Jess Gough

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Region: US

Wednesday 08 January 2025 16:24:24 GMT