The Ultimate Guide to Rhubarb Companion Plants: Growing Tips and Benefits

Oleh Anonymous July 26, 2022 Post a Comment

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Rhubarb Companion: What are they?

Rhubarb is a popular vegetable that is used in many dishes because of its unique tangy flavor. However, it can be challenging to grow because it requires specific growing conditions. One way to ensure the success of your rhubarb garden is by planting companion plants alongside it.

Companion plants are plants that are grown near each other to benefit one another. These plants can help protect each other from pests, improve soil health, and increase yield. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for rhubarb.

Benefits of Companion Planting for Rhubarb

Companion planting has been practiced for centuries because of its numerous benefits. When you plant certain plants together, they can help each other in various ways. Here are some of the benefits of companion planting for rhubarb:

Pest Control

Planting specific companion plants can help keep pests away from your rhubarb. For example, planting garlic, chives, or onions can help repel insects like aphids, slugs, and snails. These plants have strong scents that pests find unattractive, making them less likely to eat your rhubarb.

Soil Health

Growing different plants together can help improve soil health. Some plants, such as legumes, are nitrogen fixers. They can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that is available to other plants. This process helps improve soil fertility, which can lead to healthier plants and higher yields.

Increased Yield

Companion planting can also help increase the yield of your rhubarb plants. Some plants have a symbiotic relationship with rhubarb, meaning they can help each other grow. For example, planting beans or peas alongside rhubarb can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can help rhubarb grow faster and produce more stalks.

Companion Plants for Rhubarb

Now that you know the benefits of companion planting, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants for rhubarb:

1. Beans

Beans are an excellent companion plant for rhubarb because they provide nitrogen to the soil. They also help shade the ground around rhubarb, which can help keep the soil temperature cool and moist.

How to Plant:

Plant beans in rows or blocks near rhubarb. Make sure to leave enough space between the rows to allow for air circulation.

Care Tips:

Water beans regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

2. Chives

Chives are a natural pest repellent and can help keep aphids, slugs, and snails away from your rhubarb.

How to Plant:

Plant chives around the perimeter of your rhubarb garden.

Care Tips:

Harvest chives regularly to prevent them from flowering. Water them once a week and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months.

3. Garlic

Garlic is another natural pest repellent that can help protect your rhubarb from pests like aphids and spider mites.

How to Plant:

Plant garlic near your rhubarb, making sure to give it enough space to grow.

Care Tips:

Water garlic regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

4. Onions

Onions are also an excellent pest repellent and can help keep pests away from your rhubarb.

How to Plant:

Plant onions around the perimeter of your rhubarb garden.

Care Tips:

Water onions regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months.

5. Peas

Peas are nitrogen fixers and can help improve soil fertility, which can lead to healthier rhubarb plants.

How to Plant:

Plant peas in rows or blocks near your rhubarb.

Care Tips:

Water peas regularly and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month.

FAQs:

1. Can I plant rhubarb near tomatoes?

No, you should not plant rhubarb near tomatoes because they are both heavy feeders and can compete for nutrients in the soil.

2. What plants should I avoid planting near rhubarb?

You should avoid planting vegetables in the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, as they can attract pests that may harm your rhubarb.

3. Should I fertilize my rhubarb?

Yes, you should fertilize your rhubarb with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

4. How often should I water my rhubarb?

You should water your rhubarb once a week, making sure to give it enough water to soak the soil.

5. When is the best time to harvest rhubarb?

You should harvest rhubarb when the stalks are 10-15 inches long and thick. Make sure to cut the stalks at the base, leaving the leaves on the plant.

Companion planting is an excellent way to help your rhubarb plants thrive. By planting specific companion plants alongside your rhubarb, you can improve soil health, increase yield, and keep pests away. Remember to follow the care tips for each companion plant to ensure the success of your garden.