Rhubarb plants are loved for their tart flavour and are a great addition to any gardener’s garden, but they do require a large amount of nutrients from the soil to grow
Rhubarb plants are a breeze to cultivate and cherished for their distinctively tart taste. Whether it’s for tossing into crumbles and pies, whipping up some jam, or blending into cordials, they offer a variety of uses that make them an excellent choice for any gardener’s plot.
They’re notably robust, being perennials capable of braving even the harshest winter chills. Yet, these plants are quite greedy when it comes to nutrients – fertiliser is a must for rhubarb to yield its sizable stalks and leaves.
When you’re growing rhubarb in a pot, doling out fertiliser is particularly vital due to the constrained soil quantity, which sees nutrients deplete swiftly or drain away during watering.
A curious green thumb sought advice on how to best feed their rhubarb plants and ended up posting the query on the Backyard Vegetable Farmers Facebook group. A popular suggestion among the community was to introduce iron nails into the soil, reports the Express.
Erin Jones recollected, “My grandfather swore by iron in the ground. We planted ours over old chains and miscellaneous iron nails. We always have a beautiful patch.”
Monique MacNeil shared her tip: “I’ve always been told to put a rusty nail deep under each plant base.”
Annette Yates discussed recent success: “We started using iron nails a couple of years back and they now grow super strong and quick compared to before!”.
Lastly, Marie Gatehouse relayed her mother’s experience: “My mother grew rhubarb for years. She always used iron. Like old nails and old chains.
“It worked, her rhubarb was deliciously sweeter and amazing! She would work the rusty nails and chains into the soil.”
The best time to feed rhubarb is in spring or early summer to support the new season’s growth.
Instead of using iron nails, gardening pros recommend opting for homemade garden compost, well-rotted manure, or an organic concentrated fertiliser in granular form to the soil.