Rhubarb

Question: It is April 6th. we are having very cold weather conditions. Temps are suppose to get as low as 19 F. Prior to this we have had almost record setting temps. The rhubarb has 4 to 6 inch stalks on the plants. The old saying here is that frozen rhubarb is toxic and should not be eaten. Is this true? I know that the leaves are not edible. 
George

Answer: Rhubarb is one of the few crops that have this characteristic. Rhubarb should not be harvested when the leaves are wilted and limp after a hard freeze. Not only do the leafstalks acquire a poor flavor and texture, but the leaves and eventually the stem may become toxic. Rhubarb leaves should never be eaten, and petioles (the part you eat) should be harvested ONLY from plants that have suffered no frost damage. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, a toxic substance that may move into the petioles after frost damage. When consumed, the oxalic acid can crystallize in the kidneys and cause permanent damage to the organs. All petioles that have been exposed to freezing temperatures should be removed and discarded. The re-growth is safe to eat. As normal harvest begins, always leave at least one-third of the petioles un-harvested to sustain the plant.

 

Quick Gardening Tips

Choose garden ornaments and garden decor to fit the feel of different areas of your garden

Things like old milk cans, cow bells or farm tools make great and interesting displays.

Placing two of the same object such as pots or statues on opposite ends of a path is a great way of adding depth and defining the length of the path

Spread your garden ornaments out into different areas of the garden to where your guests will find little surprises around every corner.

Choose garden ornaments and garden decor to fit the feel of different areas of your garden.  

A frog perched on a rock is perfect for your pond, a butterfly or hummingbird stake is perfect for a cutting garden, or a magnificent white statue at the end of a path in your rose garden makes a perfect focal point.