It's time to divide rhubarb

Split plants now for improved cropping, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

RHUBARB is one of my favourite vegetables - that's right, it's a veg not a fruit - and I think of it as a real springtime treat, bringing something sharply sweet (or is it sweetly sharp?) and special to crumbles, pies and preserves.

Ours has been growing for a good few years now and this spring the yield wasn't up to scratch, so it's time to split the plants.

Dividing rhubarb needs to be done every five or six years, in early winter when they are dormant - remember they are one of the first edibles to sprout in early spring.

Carefully lift the crowns by digging widely around them. Then use a spade to divide the crown into sections, making sure each one has a section of healthy root and at least one growing point.

Divisions from the outer edges are more productive than those in the woody centre, which is best added to the compost heap.