Rhubarb Companion Plants: How to Maximize Growth and Yield

Oleh Anonymous December 02, 2021 Post a Comment

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Rhubarb Companion Plants

If you're growing rhubarb, you might be wondering what other plants can be grown alongside it. Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together in order to benefit one another's growth and yield. By choosing the right companion plants for your rhubarb crop, you can enhance its flavor, reduce pests and disease, and even improve soil fertility. In this article, we'll explore the best rhubarb companion plants and how to grow them successfully.

The Benefits of Companion Planting with Rhubarb

Companion planting has been practiced for centuries by gardeners all over the world. The benefits of companion planting with rhubarb include:

Pest Control: Certain plants can repel or confuse pests that are attracted to rhubarb. For example, planting marigolds near your rhubarb can deter slugs and snails.
Disease Prevention: Companion plants can help prevent common diseases that affect rhubarb, such as crown rot and leaf spot. For instance, planting onions nearby can help prevent fungal diseases.
Soil Improvement: Some plants can help improve the soil quality around your rhubarb by fixing nitrogen or adding organic matter. For example, planting clover with your rhubarb can help increase soil fertility.
Flavor Enhancement: Certain herbs can enhance the flavor of rhubarb when grown nearby. For instance, planting mint or lemon balm can complement the tart flavor of rhubarb in recipes.

Best Rhubarb Companion Plants

Here are some of the best companion plants to grow with rhubarb:

1. Beans

Beans are a great companion plant for rhubarb because they fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help improve soil fertility. They also have shallow roots, which won't compete with rhubarb for nutrients.

How to Grow:

Plant bush beans near your rhubarb in early summer after the danger of frost has passed. Make sure to provide support for climbing varieties.

2. Chives

Chives are a good choice for companion planting with rhubarb because they can help repel pests and improve soil health. They also have a mild onion flavor that complements the tartness of rhubarb.

How to Grow:

Plant chives in early spring or fall in a sunny location. Harvest the leaves as needed throughout the growing season.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another companion plant that can help deter pests and prevent disease. It can also add flavor to rhubarb dishes.

How to Grow:

Plant garlic in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil. Harvest the bulbs in late summer when the leaves to turn yellow.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a natural pest repellent and can help keep slugs and snails away from your rhubarb plants.

How to Grow:

Plant marigolds in full sun in well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.

5. Mint

Mint can enhance the flavor of rhubarb when used in cooking. It also has a strong scent that can mask the smell of rhubarb, which may deter pests.

How to Grow:

Plant mint in a container or in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Watch out for invasive growth and keep mint contained.

6. Onions

Onions can help prevent fungal diseases that commonly affect rhubarb, such as crown rot and leaf spot. They also have a strong flavor that complements rhubarb in savory dishes.

How to Grow:

Plant onion sets or seedlings in early spring in well-drained soil. Harvest the bulbs in summer when the tops to yellow and fall over.

7. Peas

Peas can help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen in the soil. They also have shallow roots that won't compete with rhubarb for nutrients.

How to Grow:

Plant peas near your rhubarb in early spring after the danger of frost has passed. Provide support for climbing varieties.

8. Spinach

Spinach is a good companion plant for rhubarb because it has shallow roots and won't compete with rhubarb for nutrients. It also has a high nutrient content that can benefit the soil around your rhubarb.

How to Grow:

Plant spinach in early spring or late summer in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Harvest the leaves when they are mature but before they to bolt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant rhubarb with tomatoes?

No, it's not recommended to plant rhubarb with tomatoes because they have different nutrient requirements and can compete for resources.

2. What plants should I avoid planting with rhubarb?

Avoid planting vegetables that require heavy fertilization or have deep roots, such as corn, potatoes, and squash. They can compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water.

3. How far apart should I plant companion plants from my rhubarb?

Plant companion plants about 12-24 inches away from your rhubarb to avoid overcrowding and competition for resources.

4. How often should I water my rhubarb and its companion plants?

Water your rhubarb and its companion plants deeply once a week or as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

5. Can I use companion planting to control pests and disease without pesticides?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce pest and disease pressure without the need for chemical pesticides. However, it's important to practice good garden hygiene and remove diseased plants promptly to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Companion planting with rhubarb can be a great way to enhance flavor, reduce pests and disease, and improve soil fertility. By choosing the right companion plants and following proper growing techniques, you can maximize the growth and yield of your rhubarb crop. Remember to avoid planting certain vegetables that can compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water, and to provide adequate spacing between your companion plants and rhubarb. Happy gardening!