POT UP RHUBARB FOR FORCING

Pink young rhubarb stems are a wonderful way to kickstart the growing season in February and can be forced outdoors for a harvest in two months’ time. However, you can also enjoy these colourful, tender and delicious stalks in just five or six weeks if you pot up a rhubarb plant now. Dig up a section of mature rhubarb, ensuring it includes both rhizomes and at least one growing point. Pot into a large pot of soilbased compost, such as John Innes No 3, and bring into a cool room or greenhouse with a temperature of 7-16C (45-60F). Cover the pot with a rhubarb forcer or upturned large pot, ensuring you exclude the light.