Rhubarb is often regarded as a slightly old-fashioned plant and can live for many years giving living proof of how tough it is.
WARNING:- Rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should NEVER be eaten.
INSECT SPRAY.
Boil Rhubarb leaves only with water - approximate ratio 1:10 - add a small amount of soap (not detergent) to the mix. Strain and use as an insect spray.
Many people have bought old homes and found a hugh clump of Rhubarb hidden down the back yard and wondered what is was.

Rhubarb makes a sweet, delicious dessert by stewing Rhubarb and Apples, mixing together and using the mix as a pie filler. You can also stew Rhubarb lightly with a small amount of honey and lemon juice, then swirl through custard or ice cream.

If you want to start growing Rhubarb the winter time is when the crowns (sections of domant roots that been cut away from the parent stock) are available for planting. Winter is the time of year to look for them in the Garden Centres. They are called 'crowns'. These are sections of dormant roots which come in a package or can be found in boxes covered in mulch to keep the crowns moist.
Rhubarb likes a fair amount of moisture around its roots but it definitely will not survive in boggy conditions. The soil should be well-drained, especially in winter. Rhubarb should be planted in a garden bed on their own where you can control the amount of water they are given. In most cases, people tend to over water or underwater the rhubarb crowns when trying to grow other vegetables around them. When watering apply water at the base of the plant - never directly over its leaves or stems - Rhubarb stems are prone to rots and rusts. If you can not find an ideal position the read the section below 'TIPS FOR GROWING RHUBARB IN POTS'.

HARVESTING YOUR CROP

When harvesting Rhubarb, pull the largest stalks cleanly downwards and sidways from the outside of the clump and always leave at least four stems in the centre of the clump as Rhubarb needs some leaves to keep its food factory functioning.
Don't worry if the Rhubarb stems which are green and not red as some plants will stay green even in good soils. Mark out the red stem areas before winter and when you divide the crowns only plant back into the ground the pieces which produce red stems.
If the Rhubarb is more than a few years old the clump would really benefit from being lifted out of the ground and divided up into pieces. Late winter and early spring are the best times for dividing. Select the best parts of the clump for replanting and discard the rest. The strongest pieces can be planted back into the same garden bed or a new position in a sunny or lightly shaded place. Before planting dig plenty of organic matter into the area and mix some Rapid Raiser or Dynamic lifter organic pellets into the soil as well.

TIPS FOR GROWING RHUBARB IN POTS
Rhubarb will grow in a position with plenty of sun.
Give the plants plenty of water and fertiliser during the warmer months.
Use dynamic Lifter or rapid raiser and occasionally add some Blood & Bone.
In late winter divide clumps about every three years.
Potted Rhubarb needs more care than Rhubarb in the ground.
I have been sucessfully growing Rhubarb in a pot for a number of years.
These pots can be connected to an automatic or manual drip watering system.

GROWING RHUBARB IN THE GARDEN

Prepare the Rhubarb bed with some old compost or well Blood & Bone and add some Dynamic Lifter or Rapid Raiser.

In areas where there is extreme hot or cold conditions plant the roots with the crown bud 5 cm (2 inches) below the surface of the soil. If you are living in an area with mild temperatures all the year round then only place 1 cm of soil to cover the top of the crown. Firm the soil around the roots but keep it loose over the buds.
As the plants grow feed regularly with Soluble Thrive, Aquasol or PowerFeed.
Keep Rhubarb well watered but make sure it has good drainage. If your soil is heavy and is water retentive then grow your rhubarb in pots or plant in a raised tree ring. Sit it on the ground and then fill with potting mix or well-drained compost up to 5 cm (2") from the top.
Snails and slugs love Rhubarb! Protect clumps with a light sprinkling of Multiguard, Blitzem or Baysol pellets.
Don't harvest the first year and as the clumps develop, pick more heavily but every six weeks or so should be often enough. Pick stalks by pulling down and twisting sideways, rather than cutting. If Rhubarb leaves are not red enough for your liking, try adding some extra potassium. The easiest way to apply potassium is by watering with high potash thrive flower and fruit. If all else fails, drop some red food colouring into the cooking pot! Cook Rhubarb stalks with Apple and enjoy with Sago or Tapioca.

RHUBARB LEAVES, UNLIKE THE DELICIOUS STALKS, ARE POISONOUS.
THEY SHOULD NEVER, EVER BE EATEN!