I need some Rhubarb advice.... (forum)

Elf starts with ...
I bought some Rhubarb seedlings a couple of months ago and put them in a styro box until they are big enough to go somewhere more permanent.

First the earwigs ate all the leaves, so I covered them with soft drink bottles and the leaves have re-emerged with new ones coming now and then. I'm quite pleased.

But they are so small and growing sooooooo slllloooooowwwwwly and I'm wondering what is good to help them along? I figure they should grow faster than this because the label says - harvest: 12 months which won't be even close at this rate.

They are in full sun, I feed them seaweed solution every couple of weeks, water them fairly frequently (being in a styro box, it drains pretty well).

I really want to succeed with Rhubarb, it tastes so good but it's so expensive.

Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb, thanks,
Elf :)

Time: 5th November 2009 3:00pm

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About the Author Elf
Albury
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belinda says...
I have been a bit generous to my seedlings and put them in pots with about 50% sheep poo ( they are hungry feeders from what i understand) and the rest dirt from the garden. I feel lucky as they are at least 3 - 4 times theire size in the last month. I do water them a couple of times a day. But i am thinking of transplanting them into the garden next week end. Good luck belinda

Time: 9th November 2009 2:14am

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About the Author bee13
Bayswater WA
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Bob In Miami says...
I guess Elf is in Australia. Here in Miami, FL, we don't grow rhubarb, but my father did in a garden in Ohio. He used standard N-P-K fertilizers such as Miracle Grow, & never had bug problems. However, N. Ohio topsoil is better than almost any other, they have a > 180 day growing season, and any non-tropical grows there easily. I've even seen the stuff growing wild up there. The plants do fine if they get water or rain every 5 - 7 days.

Time: 10th November 2009 1:25am

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About the Author Starman535
Miami, FL
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russ says...
Elf,

If i were you i would try to get ride of the earwigs (easier said than done -i know). Then let it grow normally without the drink containers. Keep the water and the fertaliser up.
You may want to try it in part shade until established. My seedling only got morning sun until it was well established.

Regards,

Russ

Time: 11th November 2009 5:11pm

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About the Author Russ
perth NOR
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Jannette says...
Hi Elf, we had a bad infestation of earwigs following demolition of houses and building over the back fence. Organic solution for earwigs: Jars near the base of affected plants, half filled with water, and a dash of tuna oil (found in the fishing aisle of department stores). Earwigs are attracted to the smell, fall in and drown in droves! Only empty jars when getting too full, as the smell of rotting earwigs seems to attract more of them.

Time: 28th December 2009 3:04pm

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About the Author Jannette
Christies Beach SA
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