Rheum rhabarbarum 'Livingstone'

Spring · Outdoors

Apply an organic mulch

Apply a 5-10cm layer of organic mulch around the plant in spring to reduce weeds, retain moisture and keep roots cool in summer. Leave a 10cm gap between the stem and the mulch to prevent stem rot. Before applying mulch, clear the area of weeds and water if it hasn't rained recently. Use biodegradable material such as garden compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mould or bark chippings as mulch.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring · Planting

Force rhubarb to improve cropping

Forcing means depriving the plant of light and results in a less tart, much earlier crop. Place a large pot or decorative rhubarb forcer over the crown. Plug any holes to exclude light. In cold regions or to speed forcing, insulate the outside of the pot.

Applies to rhubarb

Summer-Autumn · Planting

Prune rhubarb

After harvesting the stems, allow the foliage to die back naturally, then cut away the old leaves. This exposes the growing points to the cold which will stimulate new growth in the spring.

Applies to rhubarb

Planting

Trees, shrubs and soft fruit in containers

Choose a pot with drainage holes, 2-3 times the volume of the existing pot. When roots appear at the drainage holes, pot on, increasing the size. Large plants need large pots. Keep soil moist but not wet, reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot.

Applies to any shrub or soft fruit and small trees deemed suitable for growing in a pot