Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Garden Tuesday, new rhubarb bed

"The rhubarb was not doing well", was an understatement. Doing so poorly in fact that any new growth would die back after about 2 weeks. No harvest, no happiness, and no pie! So we (well me actually) decided to do something different.


I made raised beds from composted material and replanted the rhubarb into a new environment. I have no idea if this will work, but surely it cannot be worse than what I had, which was dead new growth and no pie!


I did notice when I dug up the plants, the older ones had a nice healthy root, one was very large. That gave me hope as I now believe the soil was not able to support growing through maturity.

I will simply keep top feeding more compost/soil as the need arises. Water well and hope for pie!

Other good news, the squirrels are not able to pillage the bird feeders. But Honey has learned the birds are not fond of the bird seed mix he purchased, and will add some more seed types to please them. They stopped visiting when the good stuff had all been eaten!


We have a banner crop of blueberries this year! A first for our little berry patch, I think it is the additional sun from removing the lower 20 feet of limbs last year.


The shredded brown paper mulch for weed control works very well, and I also think helps with some moisture retention, a bonus for our area with water an expensive necessity. With all of the spring rain, yesterday was the first time I had to water the garden.

As always thanks for taking a moment to stop for a visit.
I appreciate your time of of course you wonderful comments!

this post is shared with:
garden tuesday @ sidewalk shoes
tuesday garden party @ an oregon cottage
cottage flora thursday @ fishtail cottage

key words: gardening, rhubarb, squirrel proof birdfeeder

18 comments:

Suzanne said...

visiting from sidewalk shoes...

I learned much from reading your post. I've never heard of using shredded brown paper as mulch -- makes sense. Hope your rhubarb thrives in the new spot -- rhubarb pie is a favorite of mine!

laurie said...

don't forget to plant a something rusty in with the ruhbarb,, an old fellow who had THE best rhubarb said thats the secret,, have a super tuesday.

Holly said...

I like Laurie's comment about the rusty thing. I've never heard of that before. Great job with salvaging yours. I saw a post yesterday that made me think of you. I'll forward it in an email to you.

Sage Trifle said...

You have really toiled to get you some rhurbarb. I hope this works for you!

Our town just past an ordinance: take down all bird feeders. They were attracting bears.

Shirley @ The Gardening LIfe said...

I've heard of rusty nails with tomatoes but never with rhubarb. Interesting tip.

Your soil must be acidic to produce such a lovely crop of blueberries! Hope the rhubarb takes off for you!

Meadowsweet Cottage said...

I have a long history of killing rhubarb plants, sadly. I think I've figured out that my latest attempt likes to be watered frequently. It's not big, but it's alive!

Laraine Eddington said...

You are a patient gardner.

Wearinbeads said...

good luck with the rhubarb.

Swathi said...

Looks like you are a good gardener. Here due extreme drought everything will be out by evening even after giving water. Good luck with you rhubarb bed.

meowmeowmans said...

Wow, we always learn something new here ... brown paper as mulch? Cool!

Hope the rhubarb gets going for you...

Pam said...

Looks like you got all my blueberries! We had 6 this year. 6 blueberries total.

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I've been thinking of putting rhubarb in a raised bed as it never lives beyond a season or two when I just plant it into the ground. I'm thinking they need good drainage. I'll also try the rusty thing!

Brenda said...

You're a much better gardner than I am Melynda. I planted my little herb garden 11 days ago and still no shoots. :o( I haven't given up though. You inspire me!

Donnie said...

I loved your hints on the garden but didn't plant anything this year. Take care.

Darla said...

Good luck with your rhubard, here's hoping you get pie!

Fishtail Cottage said...

I have heard from many folks that are disappointed in their rubarb this season....humm, i wonder if its all this crazy weather? I'm going to keep hoping it perks up for you! Thanks for sharing at Cottage Flora Thursday's - maybe you'll get some good tips? xoox, tracie

Lynn said...

Hope your rhubarb makes it. That really stinks. I love your blueberries. I'm so jealous!!! :)

Jami said...

Yes, our blueberries are doing well, too. They must've liked all that rain. :-)

I hope that works with your rhubarb- once it gets established, it's really hard to kill. :-)