Companion Planting with Rheum – Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
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Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a perennial vegetable known for its tart, tangy flavor and large, attractive leaves. When planting rhubarb, consider companion planting with plants that have complementary needs and provide mutual benefits. Some good companion plants for rhubarb include:
Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) – Both rhubarb and strawberries enjoy similar growing conditions and soil types, making them ideal companions. Additionally, their flavors complement each other well in recipes.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) – Asparagus and rhubarb have similar requirements for well-drained soil, sun, and water. Their deep root systems also help aerate the soil for each other.
Onions (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum) – These plants can help deter pests that may target rhubarb, such as aphids or root maggots.
Beans (Phaseolus spp.) – Beans can help fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a natural source of nutrients for rhubarb. However, they should be planted at least a foot away from the rhubarb crown to avoid competition for nutrients.
Leafy greens like lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), or Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) – These plants grow well in partial shade and can benefit from the large, leafy canopy provided by rhubarb.
Flowering plants like nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.), marigolds (Tagetes spp.), or calendula (Calendula officinalis) – These flowers can help attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predatory insects, to the garden.
Remember to give rhubarb enough space to grow, as it can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide. Ensure that the companion plants you choose have similar soil, light, and water requirements for the best results.Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)
Soil: Both strawberries and rhubarb prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Water: Both plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Light: Rhubarb and strawberries both grow well in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade.
Planting: Plant rhubarb and strawberries about 3-4 feet apart to ensure they have enough space to grow.
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Soil: Asparagus and rhubarb both prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water: Both plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Asparagus and rhubarb grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Planting: Plant asparagus crowns 12-18 inches apart and rhubarb 3-4 feet apart, as their extensive root systems can compete for nutrients if planted too close.
Onions (Allium cepa) and Garlic (Allium sativum)
Soil: Both alliums and rhubarb prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water: Both plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Onions and garlic prefer full sun, while rhubarb can tolerate partial shade.
Planting: Space onions and garlic 4-6 inches apart and plant rhubarb 3-4 feet away from the alliums.
Beans (Phaseolus spp.)
Soil: Beans and rhubarb both prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water: Both plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Beans and rhubarb both grow well in full sun, but rhubarb can also tolerate partial shade.
Planting: Plant beans about a foot away from rhubarb crowns, spacing them 3-6 inches apart.
Leafy greens like lettuce (Lactuca sativa), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), or Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris)
Soil: Leafy greens and rhubarb both prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water: Both plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Leafy greens can grow in partial shade, which makes them suitable to grow under the large leaves of rhubarb.
Planting: Space leafy greens 6-12 inches apart, and plant rhubarb 3-4 feet away.
Flowering plants like nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.), marigolds (Tagetes spp.), or calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Soil: These flowering plants and rhubarb prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Water: Both the flowers and rhubarb require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist.
Light: Nasturtiums, marigolds, and calendula grow well in full sun, while rhubarb can tolerate partial shade.
Planting: Space flowering plants according to their specific needs and plant rhubarb 3-4 feet away. By providing the appropriate growing conditions and spacing for rhubarb and its companion plants, you can create a healthy and productive garden. Here are some additional tips for successful companion planting with rhubarb:
Rotate crops: Practice crop rotation to maintain soil health and prevent the buildup of diseases or pests. Avoid planting the same family of plants in the same location for at least three years.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Straw, shredded leaves, or compost can all work well as mulch.
Fertilize: Feed your plants with balanced organic fertilizer or compost to provide necessary nutrients. Rhubarb benefits from a high-potassium fertilizer applied in early spring, while most companion plants will appreciate a balanced fertilizer.
Prune: Regularly prune your rhubarb plants by removing dead or yellowing leaves to promote airflow and prevent diseases. Harvest rhubarb stalks by gently twisting and pulling the stalks from the base when they are 12-18 inches long.
Pest and disease control: Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases that may affect your plants. Aphids, slugs, snails, and root maggots are potential issues for rhubarb. Companion planting can help attract beneficial insects and deter pests, but you may need to apply organic pest control methods if necessary.
Pollination: Encourage pollinators to your garden by planting a variety of flowering plants. Many companion plants, such as nasturtiums, marigolds, and calendula, can attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help with pollination and pest control.
By following these guidelines and considering the specific needs of each companion plant, you can create a thriving and productive garden with rhubarb and its companions. The key is to ensure that each plant’s needs are met while also taking advantage of the synergies that companion planting can provide.
Now you know What to plant with Rheum – Rhubarb
