Rhubarb is originally from China, but it's now a traditional British dessert
IF you think with your stomach, you're likely to regard rhubarb as a fruit, as that's how the stems are cooked and eaten. But if you're of a botanical bent, 'fruit' consists of the 'fleshy seed-holding parts of a plant' and as the edible part of rhubarb is a stalk, that makes it a card-carrying vegetable like celery and purple sprouting broccoli.
Whatever you choose to call it, the only thing that really matters is whether there's enough for second helpings! And to that end I've been giving my clumps some essential TLC.
Spread well-rotted manure around rhubarb crowns
With its parasol-sized leaves and ability to smother weeds, rhubarb seems irrepressible. But if you're too greedy when picking or don't top-up its soil with nutrients, it can disappoint or, worse, die off.
Provide some TLC and you'll be have plenty of rhubarb for crumbles over the summer
Denne historien er fra April 30, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra April 30, 2022-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters