Start forcing rhubarb now

If you have established rhubarb plants, you can cover one now to force an early crop. By denying light to the first few shoots, you’ll get the sweetest, tenderest rhubarb harvest of the year.

Select a strong clump to force, then remove any weeds and debris around it. If you don’t have a forcing pot, use a large dark pot or bucket with any holes covered. Pack some straw over the plant’s crown then cover it with the pot. Check the rhubarb regularly because once it starts to shoot, the stems will elongate very quickly.

Choose a different clump next year to allow this year’s to recover.

Cover a dormant clump of rhubarb to exclude any light, and it will produce early shoots that are pale and tender