Weeding an established rhubarb patch

[JoannaParticipant]

Hello – we inherited a rhubarb patch on our allotment five years ago. We get decent rhubarb, but it is becoming increasingly infested with buttercups, couch grass and thistles. I don’t know how to remove them without damaging both the rhubarb and the soil. Any tips?

[JohnParticipant]

I had the same problem, with the addition of bindweed, a few years ago. I chopped at the edges of the plants to get substantial ‘cuttings’ and started a new bed. I kept the old bed for the next season while the new plants established but you may not need to do this, depending on how much rhubarb you like! Many books recommend starting a new bed every 3-5 years; I am not sure that this is necessary but it certainly beats doing battle, usually a losing one, with infested plants.

[JoannaParticipant]

Thanks so much, John – this is really helpful advice and I shall take it!

[Author]

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