When fall get in and the foliage of your rhubarb plant start to become flat back naturally , it ’s meter to give them some attention to ensure a sizable develop time of year next year . Here are the steps you may take to manage for your rhubarb in the fall :
1 . ignore back quondam stalks : Once the parting have withered and turn dark-brown , you may start cutting back the honest-to-god rhubarb plant shuck . apply a incisive garden knife or pruners to remove the stalks , issue them as close to the crown as potential . It ’s crucial to go away the bud give away , as these will train into novel shoots in the following give .
2 . Mulching : After cutting back the stubble , it ’s a good theme to apply a generous stratum of mulch around the crown of the rhubarb plant . A suitable mulch alternative is well - decompose manure . This mulch serves multiple purposes . Firstly , it helps to conserve moisture in the grime , preventing it from dry out out during the winter months . Secondly , it acts as a lifelike sess suppressant , which reduces contest for nutrients and space . in conclusion , the mulch will easy damp down over sentence , providing essential nutrients to the plant .
3 . Applying the mulch : Spread the well - rotted manure evenly around the pieplant crown , making sure not to bury the bud . Aim for a bed of mulch about 2 - 3 inch thick . This will offer an equal roadblock against cold temperature and help isolate the flora during wintertime .
4 . Feeding the plants : The increase of well - rotted manure not only acts as a mulch but also provides essential nutrient to the pieplant plant . As it decomposes , it releases nitrogen , morning star , and potassium , which are all vital for sizable plant emergence . This rude fertilization will nourish the rhubarb throughout the dormant menses , ensure it has the necessary imagination to produce vigorous increment in the upcoming time of year .
5 . dope control : Before applying the mulch , it ’s a good estimate to remove any existing weeds or undesirable vegetation around the rhubarb plant plant life . This will prevent weeds from grow and competing with the rhubarb for food and space during the downfall and wintertime calendar month . By keeping the area around the plant life clean , you ’ll ply the rhubarb plant with the best fortune of thriving in the next spring .
Personal experience : In my own garden , I come after these steps every pin to wish for my rhubarb plants . I find that by cutting back the old stalking and put on a layer of well - decompose manure as mulch , my pieplant flora stay on respectable and rich class after twelvemonth . The mulch not only aid to retain wet but also prevents mourning band growth , which save me time and effort in the long run . Additionally , the gradual release of nutrients from the manure ensure that my rhubarb receives a rude and balanced fertilization , resulting in vivacious and tasty still hunt when the growing season begins anew .
Caroline Bates
