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Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

3 months ago

Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
This week's Small Farm Sustainability's Podcast episode features the upcoming Iowa Specialty Producers Conference! Check it out below! πŸŽ™ ... See MoreSee Less

smallfarmsustainability's podcast: 2021 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference

smallfarmsustainability.libsyn.com

In this episode, I interview Kendra Meyer, executive secretary for the Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, to talk about the upcoming Iowa Specialty Producers Conference.
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Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

3 months ago

Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
Mark your calendar for January 19-20, 2021, for the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference! Join the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Iowa Wine Growers Association for two days of learning, networking, and fun. Funded by IDALS. Registration is now open at www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/registration-page. ... See MoreSee Less

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Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

3 months ago

Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
Mark your calendar for January 19-20, 2021, for the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference! Join the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Iowa Wine Growers Association for two days of learning, networking, and fun. Funded by IDALS. Registration is now open at www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/registration-page. ... See MoreSee Less

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Planting Rhubarb in the Home Garden

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers AssociationApril 15, 2020

Richard Jauron
Extension Horticulturist
515-294-3108
rjauron@iastate.edu

The tart stalks of rhubarb are used in pies, tarts, sauces, jams, jellies, puddings and punch. Rhubarb is easy to grow and long-lived. For more information on growing rhubarb and other vegetables in your garden, contact horticulture specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To have additional questions answered, contact the Hortline at 515-294-3108 orΒ hortline@iastate.edu.

The cultivars Canada Red, Crimson Red, McDonald, and Valentine have attractive red stalks and are good choices for Iowa gardens. Victoria, a green-stalked cultivar, is another reliable performer.

Where should I plant rhubarb?

When planting rhubarb, select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Avoid sites near trees and shrubs. Rhubarb will have a difficult time competing for sunlight, water and nutrients when planted near trees and shrubs.

Rhubarb performs best in well-drained, fertile soils that are high in organic matter. Heavy soils can be improved by incorporating organic matter, such as well-rotted barnyard manure or compost. The organic matter improves drainage and reduces the chances of root rot. Work the soil deeply (12-15 inches) and add liberal amounts of manure or compost before planting.

Spring is the best time to plant rhubarb in Iowa. Plants can be purchased at garden centers or from mail-order catalogs. Digging and dividing large existing plants is another source of plants. 

Plants growing in pots should be planted at the same depth as they are currently growing in the pot. Bare-root plants should be planted with the buds 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Space plants 3 feet apart.

When should I harvest rhubarb?

Do not harvest rhubarb during the first two years after planting. This allows good crown and root development. During the third season, harvest for a four-week period. In the fourth and following years, rhubarb can be harvested for eight to 10 weeks, ending in mid-June. 

For more information on growing rhubarb, download β€œRhubarb in the Home Garden” from the Extension Store.

–Iowa State University Extension & Outreach

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