Rhubarbs in Barnhill
Rheum × hybridum
A hardy perennial for a permanent UK bed. Plant crowns in rich, well-drained soil and leave them to establish before taking a light crop from year two.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Rhubarb
Planting Calendar
Prepare the Bed
14 Mar – 27 AprPrepare a permanent bed around 14th March - 27th April. Remove perennial weeds thoroughly and work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost, since the planting area will stay in use for years.
Plant Crowns
14 Mar – 27 AprPlant dormant crowns or bare roots around 14th March - 27th April in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Set the buds just at or below the surface, space them well apart, and water in thoroughly straight away.
Keep Weed Free
5 Apr – 3 AugKeep the planting area weed-free from 5th April while the crown settles in. Water during dry spells and do not harvest any stems this year, so the root can build strength.
Feed and Mulch
30 Mar – 13 Aprevery 365 daysTop-dress the crown from 30th March - 13th April with a thick layer of compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. Repeat this every 365 days to keep the plant productive.
Harvest Stems
14 Mar – 12 JunStart harvesting from 14th March once the plant is well established in the second year. Pull or twist stems away cleanly, then stop by 12th June so the foliage can rebuild the crown for next year.
Clear Dead Foliage
7 Oct – 4 NovOnce the leaves die back around 7th October - 4th November, cut old foliage to ground level and clear it away. This helps reduce pest and disease carry-over into the next season.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rhubarb.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Rhubarb to consider
Timperley Early
An early cropping variety that can be forced for very early harvests under pots or in darkness.
Victoria
A reliable, widely grown variety with good flavour and strong stems.
Stockbridge Arrow
A modern variety with long, straight stalks and a good harvest window.
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Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Rhubarb timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.