Why is My Rhubarb
Spindly and Thin?

Question:

 ... my rhubarb patch is not doing well.  I've had if for 20 plus years.  It seems like it is getting more spindly every year.  I put horse manure on it every other year.  I do notice slug damage. Is it just getting old and needs to be moved?

Answer:

 ... Sorry to hear that your rhubarb plants are not seeming to thrive this year!

Thin, spindly or scrawny rhubarb stalks are not fun ;)

Seems like you are doing the right thing, that is adding manure to improve the soil.

You may want to try adding an all-purpose fertilizer of 10-10-10 instead though, just to ensure all the various nutrients are included in the feeding of the rhubarb plants.

I use a light feeding of granular 10-10-10 fertilizer in the early Spring and again in the Fall.

And, yes, it may be time to divide the rhubarb plants.

Unless the slug damage is very extensive, I personally do not think that this is the reason for the spindly stalks.

Here is more information about how to control slugs:

https://www.rhubarb-central.com/how-to-get-rid-of-slugs.html

Here are easy-to-follow instructions at Rhubarb-Central.com for how to divide rhubarb:

https://www.rhubarb-central.com/divide-rhubarb-crowns-rhizomes-roots.html

AND

https://www.rhubarb-central.com/transplanting-rhubarb.html

I hope this helps a bit.

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Reply:

Just a short note to let you know your info last year helped tremendously with my rhubarb harvest.  

The four things I did differently:

1.  Cleaned /removed dying leaves and stalks.

2.  Put down snail /slug killer.

3.  Fertilized with 10-10-10.

4.  Watered when needed.

And just those four things made all the difference.

I never remember my Mom doing anything to her rhubarb patch and we always seemed to have a decent enough crop. 

Guess I just never really fussed over my rhubarb and now I know it just needs a little tender loving care.

Thanks again for putting me on the right track for a better rhubarb harvest.

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