Delicious rhubarb pies are even tastier when made with homegrown rhubarb, which is why I decided to give it a try in my own garden.
Everything went well and I harvested those yummy stalks before the colder weather arrived. But as summer transformed into fall, I was left wondering “What on earth do I do with this leafy plant now?”.
Turns out, rhubarb needs some extra love in the fall to keep it coming back even stronger next year!
Don’t worry, no pie-baking skills are required for this one – just some good old-fashioned gardening tips (and maybe a cup of coffee on the side for motivation).
Follow these steps and make sure your rhubarb thrives next spring!
Step 1: Clean Up Those Droopy Leaves
By late October, your rhubarb leaves might look like they’re already done for the season – you’ll notice they will start drooping and darkening. When this happens, it’s time for a clean up!
First things first, grab a clean, sharp knife (yes, clean is crucial here) and trim off any flower stalks.
You know, flowers drain your rhubarb’s energy, and we want it saving up for that glorious spring comeback!
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Step 2: Trim Back Old Stalks
After the leaves have started dying back naturally, you should go and trim off the old stalks.
Grab each one and give it a gentle twist from the base. If they’re clinging on for dear life, don’t force them. Instead, reach for some sharp shears and cut them right at the base.
I would recommend you do this in dry weather because if it is raining, you might attract some plant diseases with all that cutting.
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Step 3: Add Mulch But Don’t Smother The Crown
Now for the finishing touch: mulch!
Grab some well-rotted manure and spread it around the crown of your rhubarb.
This step is super important because it keeps the soil nice and warm, blocks those annoying weeds, and also gives your plant a slow-release meal to enjoy all season.
However, you should leave the crown exposed. Covering it could lead to crown rot, and trust me, no one wants a rotten crown.
And that’s it!
You see, taking care of your rhubarb in the fall and prepping it for the winter isn’t very complicated. Just keep things nice and tidy, and your rhubarb will be back stronger than ever!