When to plant Rhubarb in Durham

Prepare a permanent bed around 11th September - 9th October. 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 dormant crowns or bare roots around 9th October - 30th November 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 the planting area weed-free from 6th February 2027 while the crown settles in. Water during dry spells and do not harvest any stems this year, so the root can build strength.

Top-dress around the crown from 11th March - 10th April 2027 with a thick layer of garden compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. This both feeds the plant and acts as a mulch, so repeat it each year at this time.

Take a light first harvest from 21st February 2028 to 3rd May 2028 once the crown is well established. Pull stems cleanly from the base and leave plenty of foliage to rebuild the plant.

Once the leaves die back around 2nd October - 30th October 2027, cut old foliage to ground level and clear it away. This helps reduce pest and disease carry-over into the next season.