What Not to Plant Near Rhubarb: A Guide to Avoiding Pests and Disease

Rhubarb: A Delicious but Demanding Crop

Rhubarb is a tart and tangy perennial that is a popular addition to pies, jams, and other desserts. However, rhubarb is also a bit of a demanding crop, and there are a few things you should know before you plant it in your garden.

In this article, we will discuss what not to plant near rhubarb, as well as some other tips for growing this delicious crop. So if you’re thinking about adding rhubarb to your garden, read on for all the information you need!

What Should Not Be Planted Near Rhubarb?	Reason
Tomatoes	Rhubarb can stunt the growth of tomatoes.
Potatoes	Rhubarb can transmit a disease called blackleg to potatoes.
Cucumbers	Rhubarb can attract cucumber beetles, which can damage cucumbers.

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is grown for its edible stalks. It is a member of the buckwheat family and is native to Asia. Rhubarb is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but it does best in full sun and well-drained soil. Rhubarb is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pies, tarts, and crumbles.

What plants should not be planted near rhubarb?

There are a few plants that should not be planted near rhubarb, as they can cross-pollinate with rhubarb, attract pests that also feed on rhubarb, or compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water. These plants include:

• Nightshade
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Peppers

Nightshade

Nightshade is a genus of plants that includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. These plants are all related to rhubarb and can cross-pollinate with it. When nightshade plants cross-pollinate with rhubarb, the resulting rhubarb plants can be poisonous.

The symptoms of rhubarb poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. In severe cases, rhubarb poisoning can lead to kidney failure and death.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another member of the nightshade family and can cross-pollinate with rhubarb. When tomatoes cross-pollinate with rhubarb, the resulting rhubarb plants can be less flavorful and produce smaller stalks.

Potatoes

Potatoes are also related to rhubarb and can cross-pollinate with it. When potatoes cross-pollinate with rhubarb, the resulting rhubarb plants can be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Peppers

Peppers are another member of the nightshade family and can cross-pollinate with rhubarb. When peppers cross-pollinate with rhubarb, the resulting rhubarb plants can be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Why should these plants not be planted near rhubarb?

There are a few reasons why these plants should not be planted near rhubarb.

• They can cross-pollinate with rhubarb, resulting in rhubarb plants that are poisonous.
• They can attract pests that also feed on rhubarb, such as aphids and caterpillars.
• They can compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water.

It is important to avoid planting nightshade, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers near rhubarb. These plants can cross-pollinate with rhubarb, attract pests that also feed on rhubarb, or compete with rhubarb for nutrients and water. By avoiding these plants, you can help to ensure that your rhubarb plants are healthy and productive.

Here are some additional tips for growing healthy rhubarb plants:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Fertilize rhubarb plants in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Water rhubarb plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Mulch rhubarb plants to help keep the soil moist and cool.
• Harvest rhubarb stalks in the spring or early summer, before the plant flowers.
• By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, healthy rhubarb for years to come.

What Should Not Be Planted Near Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is grown for its edible stalks. It is a member of the buckwheat family and is related to sorrel, dock, and knotweed. Rhubarb is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, but it does have some specific requirements in terms of soil and spacing.

One of the most important things to consider when planting rhubarb is what to plant it near. There are a few plants that should not be planted near rhubarb, as they can compete for nutrients and water, or they can spread diseases.

Here are some plants that should not be planted near rhubarb:

• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Cucumbers
• Peppers
• Beans
• Asparagus
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower

These plants are all susceptible to the same diseases as rhubarb, so planting them near each other can increase the risk of infection. They can also compete for nutrients and water, which can stunt the growth of both plants.

If you are planning to plant rhubarb in your garden, it is important to choose a location that is away from these other plants. This will help to ensure that your rhubarb plants are healthy and productive.

What are some alternative plants that can be planted near rhubarb?

There are a number of plants that can be planted near rhubarb without any problems. These plants do not compete for nutrients or water, and they do not spread diseases.

Here are some alternative plants that can be planted near rhubarb:

• Basil
• Sage
• Dill
• Cucumbers
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Shallots

These plants are all compatible with rhubarb and will not cause any problems. They can also help to improve the soil quality and attract beneficial insects.

How to prevent cross-pollination between rhubarb and other plants

Rhubarb is a self-pollinating plant, which means that it does not need another plant to produce seeds. However, it is still possible for rhubarb to cross-pollinate with other plants, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Cross-pollination can occur when pollen from one plant is transferred to the stigma of another plant. This can happen if the plants are growing close together, or if they are pollinated by the same insects.

Cross-pollination can cause problems for rhubarb plants, as it can lead to the production of plants that are not true to type. This means that the plants may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant, such as the same color or flavor.

There are a few things that you can do to prevent cross-pollination between rhubarb and other plants.

• Plant rhubarb and other plants at least 10 feet apart. This will help to reduce the chances of pollen from one plant being transferred to the stigma of another plant.
• Cover rhubarb plants with a row cover when they are in bloom. A row cover is a lightweight fabric that can be used to protect plants from pests and diseases. It can also help to prevent cross-pollination by keeping pollen from being transferred from one plant to another.
• Hand-pollinate rhubarb plants to prevent cross-pollination. This can be done by removing the anthers from the flowers of one plant and transferring them to the stigma of another plant. This will ensure that the plants are pollinated with their own pollen, and not with pollen from another plant.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent cross-pollination between rhubarb and other plants. This will help to ensure that your rhubarb plants are healthy and productive, and that they produce plants that are true to type.

Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. However, it is important to plant rhubarb in the right location and to avoid planting it near certain other plants. This will help to ensure that your rhubarb plants are healthy and productive.

If you are unsure about what plants to plant near rhubarb, or if you are concerned about cross-pollination, it is always best to consult with a

What Should Not Be Planted Near Rhubarb?

• Apple trees – Rhubarb and apple trees compete for nutrients, so planting them too close together can stunt the growth of both plants.
• Berries – Berries and rhubarb are both susceptible to the same pests and diseases, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Cabbage – Rhubarb can cross-pollinate with cabbage, resulting in a bitter taste in the rhubarb.
• Carrots – Carrots and rhubarb both have shallow roots, so planting them too close together can lead to competition for water and nutrients.
• Corn – Corn and rhubarb both require full sun, so planting them together can lead to shading issues.
• Potatoes – Potatoes and rhubarb are both susceptible to the same pests and diseases, so planting them together can increase the risk of infection.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes and rhubarb compete for nutrients, so planting them too close together can stunt the growth of both plants.

How Far Apart Should Rhubarb Be Planted?

Rhubarb should be planted at least 3 feet apart to allow for adequate space for the roots to grow.

How Much Sun Does Rhubarb Need?

Rhubarb needs full sun to produce the best yields.

When Should Rhubarb Be Planted?

Rhubarb can be planted in the spring or fall. Spring planting is preferred, as the plants will have more time to establish themselves before the onset of winter.

How Do You Care for Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a relatively easy plant to care for. The most important things to remember are to water it regularly, fertilize it in the spring, and keep it free of weeds.

How Do You Harvest Rhubarb?

Rhubarb can be harvested from early spring to late summer. To harvest, cut the stalks off at the base of the plant. Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of the stalk attached to the crown, as this will help the plant to produce new stalks.

How Do You Store Rhubarb?

Rhubarb can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To store, wrap the stalks in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

How Do You Cook Rhubarb?

Rhubarb can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stewing, baking, and making into pies and jams.

What Are the Health Benefits of Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting immunity.

there are a few things that you should avoid planting near rhubarb. These include:

• Tomatoes: Rhubarb and tomatoes are both members of the nightshade family, and planting them too close together can encourage the spread of pests and diseases.
• Carrots: Carrots and rhubarb compete for the same nutrients in the soil, so planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants.
• Beans: Beans produce a toxin that can damage the roots of rhubarb plants.
• Peas: Peas and rhubarb compete for the same nutrients in the soil, so planting them together can stunt the growth of both plants.

By avoiding these plants, you can help to ensure that your rhubarb plants stay healthy and productive.

Here are some additional tips for growing rhubarb:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and cool.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize the plants in early spring and again in late summer.
• Harvest the stalks in the spring and summer, when they are young and tender.
• Be sure to remove the leaves from the stalks before eating them, as the leaves contain a toxic compound.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown rhubarb for many years to come.