How to pick rhubarb

Rhubarb season is just about over but in case you still have a rhubarb patch in your yard that you’re getting ready to harvest, here are a few tips for the best ways to pick it, ensuring that next year you’ll still have plenty of rhubarb at your disposal:

  • Pick from the outside in.
  • Slide your hand to the base of the stalk and pull gently.
  • If pulling does not work, carefully cut the stalks as close to the ground as possible.
  • Leave the smaller, center stalks on the plant so it can continue to grow and thrive during the summer – NEVER pick all of the stalks from a rhubarb plant.
Rhubarb harvested in River Heights on July 8.

Do you have any tips for picking rhubarb? Share in the comments section below! Some of our volunteers are long-time experts at rhubarb-picking, whereas others (me ;)) are just learning the techniques to help the plant survive whilst reaping a good harvest. We can use any advice you have!

– Sagan.