Horticultural aide-mémoire Force rhubarb

Now that the elegantly pink shoots of forced rhubarb are back in fashion, it is time to begin the process. It is simple enough. Cold and darkness are required. Bring a light-proof structure big enough to enclose shoots a yard high and place it neatly over the plant, which will have begun thinking about sending up new growth. A terracotta rhubarb forcer is just the thing and looks well, but a bottomless dustbin is equally well suited. Stygian gloom is necessary or the process will fail. An occasional glimpse under the lid is permitted. SCD