Rhubarb Revolution: Raising Tart Perennials in Raised Beds
Rhubarb, with its bright red stalks and tart flavor, has long been a staple in gardens, especially in cooler climates. While commonly used in pies and desserts, this hardy perennial offers more than just a culinary twist—it’s a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any backyard garden. Growing rhubarb in raised beds takes this garden favorite to the next level, allowing gardeners more control over soil quality and making harvesting a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, rhubarb is a perennial that rewards patience and care with years of bountiful harvests.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of growing rhubarb in raised beds, how to plant and care for it, and some helpful tips to ensure your rhubarb thrives for seasons to come.
Why Raised Beds Are Ideal for Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year, and it thrives best when given a permanent spot with plenty of space. Raised beds offer several advantages for growing rhubarb:
Improved Soil Drainage: Rhubarb prefers well-drained soil, and raised beds naturally provide better drainage than traditional in-ground gardens. This is particularly important for rhubarb, as it dislikes waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other issues.
Controlled Soil Quality: Rhubarb thrives in rich, fertile soil that is high in organic matter. With raised beds, you can control the soil composition, ensuring it is full of the nutrients rhubarb needs to grow strong, healthy stalks. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to your raised bed ensures the soil remains nutrient-rich.
Easier Harvesting and Maintenance: Raised beds elevate the plants, making it easier to tend to your rhubarb without straining your back. Whether you're weeding, watering, or harvesting, raised beds make the process more comfortable and efficient.
Protection from Soil Compaction: Rhubarb plants have deep roots that need space to spread and grow. Raised beds help prevent soil compaction, allowing the roots to penetrate the soil deeply and absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.
Preparing Your Raised Bed for Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a long-term investment for your garden, as it can live and produce for up to 10 years or more if properly cared for. Preparing the right growing environment from the start is crucial to its success.
1. Choosing the Right Location
Rhubarb needs plenty of sunlight to thrive, so choose a location for your raised bed that receives at least 6 hours of full sun each day. While rhubarb can tolerate some light shade, full sun encourages vigorous growth and vibrant, thick stalks.
Since rhubarb is a perennial, it's important to pick a permanent spot in your garden where it won't be disturbed. Ensure the bed is in a place where it won't be in the way of annual crops or other gardening activities.
2. Soil Preparation
Rhubarb prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). To create the ideal growing medium, fill your raised bed with a mixture of:
- High-quality garden soil: This forms the foundation of your raised bed.
- Compost: Adding compost improves soil fertility and encourages healthy root development.
- Well-rotted manure: Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, and manure provides a slow-release source of nitrogen, which promotes strong growth.
Ensure your raised bed is at least 12 to 18 inches deep to accommodate the deep root system rhubarb develops over time. The better the soil quality at the start, the healthier and more productive your rhubarb plants will be.
3. Spacing and Planting
Rhubarb plants need plenty of space to grow, as they can spread out significantly over time. When planting rhubarb in raised beds, leave at least 3 to 4 feet of space between each plant to allow room for the large leaves and thick stalks to develop.
Rhubarb is typically planted in the spring from crowns (root divisions) or nursery-grown plants. If planting from crowns, dig a hole deep enough to cover the crown with about 1 to 2 inches of soil. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish.
Caring for Rhubarb in Raised Beds
Once planted, rhubarb is relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few important steps to ensure it remains healthy and productive.
1. Watering
Rhubarb prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and early summer. However, it's important not to overwater, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Water your rhubarb deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy.
Raised beds tend to dry out more quickly than traditional garden beds, so monitor the moisture levels closely, especially during hot or dry periods.
2. Mulching
Applying a thick layer of organic mulch around your rhubarb plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, shredded leaves, or compost are excellent mulching materials. Mulch also breaks down over time, adding organic matter to the soil and improving its structure.
Mulching is especially helpful in raised beds, as it prevents the soil from drying out too quickly and protects the plants during extreme temperature changes.
3. Fertilizing
Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, and while it doesn’t require frequent fertilization, giving it a boost of nutrients in early spring can encourage strong growth. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or a layer of compost around the base of the plants in early spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge.
Additionally, applying well-rotted manure or compost at the end of the growing season will replenish the soil’s nutrients and prepare your rhubarb for the following year.
4. Dividing and Maintaining Rhubarb Plants
After a few years, rhubarb plants may become overcrowded and less productive. To keep your plants healthy and productive, divide the crowns every 4 to 5 years. This process involves digging up the plant in early spring or fall and separating the root system into several smaller sections, each with at least one healthy bud. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, and they will quickly establish and grow into new plants.
Dividing rhubarb also gives you the opportunity to share plants with friends or expand your garden.
Harvesting Rhubarb
One of the key benefits of growing rhubarb is its longevity—once established, it can produce harvests year after year. However, it’s important to be patient with young rhubarb plants. Here’s how to approach harvesting rhubarb in your raised beds:
1. Wait to Harvest
For newly planted rhubarb, it’s best to wait until the second or third year to harvest. Allowing the plant to establish a strong root system in the first year will ensure healthier, more productive growth in the future.
Once your rhubarb is mature, you can begin harvesting in the spring, typically from April to June.
2. How to Harvest
Harvest rhubarb by pulling the stalks from the base of the plant rather than cutting them. Grasp the stalk firmly near the ground and pull with a slight twisting motion. This encourages more stalks to grow from the crown. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant’s stalks at a time to ensure continued growth.
Always discard the leaves, as they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans and animals. The stalks, however, are safe to eat and delicious in a variety of dishes, from pies to chutneys.
3. End of Season Care
After the spring and early summer harvest, allow the plant to recover by leaving the remaining stalks and leaves to grow undisturbed. In late fall, cut back the dying foliage and apply a layer of compost or mulch around the base of the plant to protect it during the winter months.
With proper care, rhubarb can continue producing for many years, making it a valuable perennial addition to any raised bed garden.
Common Pests and Diseases
Rhubarb is relatively pest- and disease-resistant, but there are a few potential issues to watch for:
- Crown Rot: This fungal disease can affect rhubarb if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. Raised beds help mitigate this issue by providing better drainage, but be sure not to overwater.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests may be attracted to the large leaves of rhubarb, especially in damp conditions. Use organic slug deterrents, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, to keep them at bay.
By maintaining healthy soil and following proper care practices, most rhubarb plants will remain resilient against pests and diseases.
Culinary Uses for Rhubarb
Rhubarb’s tangy, tart flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. While it’s often used in desserts like pies, crisps, and jams, it also pairs well with savory dishes. Rhubarb chutneys, sauces, and compotes can add a bright, acidic contrast to roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
Harvesting your own homegrown rhubarb makes these dishes even more satisfying, knowing that you nurtured the plant from soil to table.
Conclusion: Rhubarb in Raised Beds—A Perennial Revolution
Growing rhubarb in raised beds offers backyard gardeners the perfect combination of beauty, longevity, and ease. With the right care, your rhubarb plants will provide a reliable harvest year after year, adding a touch of perennial magic to your garden.
Happy Harvest!