Dividing Rhubarb Plants: How to Successfully Divide Your Plants

Are your rhubarb plants overcrowded and not producing as well as they used to? It may be time to consider dividing them. Dividing your rhubarb plants can help improve their overall health and increase their productivity. However, it’s important to know the proper way to divide them to ensure success. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you need to take to successfully divide your rhubarb plants.

Why Divide Rhubarb Plants?

Rhubarb plants can become overcrowded over time, causing them to produce smaller stalks and fewer leaves. Dividing your rhubarb plants will help alleviate this problem by giving each plant more space to grow and thrive. Additionally, dividing your plants can help prevent the spread of disease or pests throughout your garden.

Dividing your rhubarb plants also has the added benefit of creating new plants that you can share with friends and family or even sell at a local market!

When to Divide Rhubarb Plants

The best time to divide your rhubarb plants is in the early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. This is typically around March or April, depending on your location and climate. Dividing your plants during this time will allow them to establish themselves before the hot summer months arrive.

If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to divide your rhubarb plants in the fall instead. However, it’s important to avoid dividing them during the hottest parts of the summer as this can stress the plants and reduce their chances of survival.

How to Divide Rhubarb Plants

Before you begin dividing your rhubarb plants, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a sharp knife or spade, a wheelbarrow or tarp for transporting the divided plants, and some compost or other organic matter to amend the soil.

To start, dig up the entire rhubarb plant using your spade or fork. Be sure to dig deep enough to get the entire root system. Once the plant has been lifted out of the ground, use your knife or spade to carefully separate the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one bud and a healthy root system.

Once you’ve separated the roots, replant each section in a new location. Be sure to dig a hole that’s large enough to accommodate the entire root system and add some compost to the bottom of the hole to improve the soil quality. Plant each section so that the bud is just below the surface of the soil.

Water the newly planted sections well and continue to water them regularly until they become established. You should see new growth within a few weeks.

Caring for Divided Rhubarb Plants

After dividing your rhubarb plants, it’s important to care for them properly to ensure their continued health and productivity. Here are some tips:

• Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize your plants annually with compost or a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest your rhubarb stalks regularly to encourage new growth.

With proper care, your divided rhubarb plants should thrive and produce delicious stalks for years to come!

Rhubarb plants in a garden

Dividing your rhubarb plants is an easy and effective way to improve their overall health and productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully divide your plants and create new ones to share with others. Remember to care for your divided plants properly to ensure their continued success. Happy gardening!

Rhubarb, Gardening, Plant Care, Organic Gardening