Hobson’s Backyard Tales: Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb

Again earlier than fruit and greens have been obtainable year-round
on the grocery retailer, when everybody grew their very own meals, folks have been determined
after a protracted winter for one thing recent, however it might be months earlier than something
could possibly be harvested from the backyard, apart from rhubarb — sure, humble rhubarb,
which may be harvested as early as Might, even earlier if compelled, and earlier
nonetheless if compelled indoors. It’s straightforward to develop and even simpler to eat, particularly
in a pie.

As youngsters we used to eat recent stalks dipped in sugar, and I
can let you know it took plenty of sugar to beat the tart style of recent
rhubarb, in all probability sufficient to counteract any wholesome advantages derived from consuming
the rhubarb.

It has a protracted historical past as a medicinal plant in Asia, the place it originated, however it wasn’t till the
introduction of low-cost sugar to Europe that it
grew to become a well-liked meals dish. Previous to that, it in all probability saved many hungry
peasants from ravenous whereas studying the right way to purse their lips.

Then again within the 1870s somebody made the invention that if
rhubarb is compelled, it produces longer, sweeter stalks — some say champagne
flavoured — a little bit of a stretch, methinks. That is achieved by rising the plant in
darkness the place as a substitute of manufacturing foliage the stalks stretch upwards, in search of
gentle. There’s an space in northern England that got here to be generally known as
the Rhubarb Triangle as a result of in its heyday it produced 90% of the world’s
winter rhubarb. This was on account of an area supply of low-cost coal that offered the
warmth required for the darkish rising sheds.

Forcing rhubarb within the backyard is so simple as putting a pail
or perhaps a rubbish can over the clump. If inclined, you may buy a
stunning reproduction of a Victorian terracotta rhubarb cloche, however since we’re
coming into the period of frugal gardening, I’d follow the rubbish can.

However earlier than you possibly can start forcing rhubarb, you need to develop
the stuff. Fall or early spring is one of the best time to plant. Fairly than planting
from seed, it’s finest to purchase a plant, or scoop one from a neighbour who’s
dividing a clump. Widespread varieties are Macdonald, Valentine, Ruby, and Canada
Pink. When planting the rhizomes, crowns solely want an inch or two of soil over
them. Rhubarb likes to be effectively fed, so put together the soil deeply, including plenty of
compost or effectively rotted manure. Select a sunny location, permitting as a lot as a
sq. meter per plant, and water till established.

The vegetation are pretty drought tolerant, however do want water
when actively rising. Including compost across the plant will maintain it wholesome.
Stalks shouldn’t be harvested the primary 12 months and solely frivolously within the second.
It’s usually finest to reap solely two thirds of the stalks, permitting the
plant to develop on by summer time, nourishing the rhizome. Although the leaves
include oxalic acid and are poisonous, it’s fairly protected so as to add them to the compost
pile. Take away all lifeless ones from the plant in spring.

For an early winter deal with, dig just a few crowns in fall, enable
them to be frozen, which stimulates breaking of dormancy, then pot them up and
place in a darkish chilly room.  As quickly as
the stalks are lengthy sufficient, it’s pie time.