rhubarb leaves

[sid]

can u tell me i am wanting to grow rhubarb and have been told u cant compost them is that right all so been told if u boil rhubarb the warter left over u can use it as a feed is this true hope u can help thankyou

[sid]

[AikenDrum]

Rhubarb leaves have a high prussic acid content  .... chuck them in the bin .... or  .... use them to make your OH's morning tea  ... notice I have given you two choices ?    < .... phones lawyer to check his liability insurance  ...      {:¬)~

[djbrenton]

Rhubarb leaf tea is an organic method for controlling aphids.

[sandersj89]

It is fine to compost the leaves:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0903/compost_heap.asp

Jerry

[Lottie3]

Hi All

Have read a lot about forcing rhubarb - would this apply to my two little leaves on my newly planted rhubarb? Should I put a bucket over it already?

Thanks

Lottie3

[sandersj89]

Hi All

Have read a lot about forcing rhubarb - would this apply to my two little leaves on my newly planted rhubarb? Should I put a bucket over it already?

Thanks

Lottie3

If it is newly planted then wait at least  12 months to force it and then only force once every two years. Forcing takes a lot out of the crown and they need to recover.

Also a bit early for forcing at the moment, normally start of in January,


Jerry

[sid]

thanks 4 all the advice ;D

[Lottie3]

Thanks SandersJ89

Guess I will just leave it in it's cosy bed of manure to do it's own thing - thought it might be a bit more technical than that :) phew

Lottie3

[Melbourne12]

can u tell me i am wanting to grow rhubarb and have been told u cant compost them is that right all so been told if u boil rhubarb the warter left over u can use it as a feed is this true hope u can help thankyou

They'll compost fine.  They contain a little oxalic acid (not prussic  :o ) which makes them poisonous to eat.