Mulching materials can include organic matter such as compost, straw, and well-rotted manure (Image: Getty)
Embracing early spring in the UK means welcoming a season of renewal in the garden, and few plants . Known for its vibrant, tangy stalks and robust nature, rhubarb emerges from its dormant period as winter fades to spring.
will know that this transitional period, with its unpredictable frosts and fluctuating temperatures, demands extra care to ensure that these perennial favourites survive and flourish in the coming months. One of the best ways to do that is to mulch rhubarb plants. Mulching involves covering the soil around with a protective layer of material. However, the benefits of mulching extend far beyond simple soil coverage.
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Mulch shouldn’t be too compacted around the crown or it can cause crown rot (Image: Getty)
Gardening experts at Plantura Magazine said: “Mulching is a great way of feeding the soil, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture during the summer months.
“March is the ideal time to mulch rhubarb, as the spring rains will direct the nutrients down towards the roots.”
Mulching materials can include organic matter such as compost, straw, well-rotted manure, or even shredded leaves. The primary goal is to create a micro-environment that improves soil health and helps plants thrive.
The Plantura experts suggest a combination of bark chippings, garden compost, leaf mould and well-rotted manure as a rhubarb mulch.
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Rhubarb stalks will grow in abundance during summer (Image: Getty)
Determining how old rhubarb plants are is essential for many gardening tasks, like harvesting and forcing, but there’s more of a general rule for mulching.
Newly planted rhubarb and established plants should be mulched to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
To apply a mulch, spread a layer of the organic matter 5cm to 7cm deep around the base of the plant. When mulching, leaving some space around the plant is wise, as covering the crowns can lead to crown rot.
This method supports the emergence of robust new growth and acts as a shield against the occasional late frost.
Mulching can be done for rhubarb planted in the ground and plants grown in pots,
Gardening expert Sarah Raven suggests that for those looking to mulch forced rhubarb, simply “remove the forcer and the straw and give the plant a good mulch of well-rotted compost”.
She cautioned: “Do not take any more from this plant for the rest of the year, and remember not to force it two years in a row.”