Force rhubarb for an early crop

Rhubarb can be forced now so that you’ve got some fresh, ready-to-eat stems in just eight weeks. All you need is a hoe, a couple of crowns of rhubarb growing in the soil (you should avoid forcing crowns two years in a row), and a terracotta rhubarb forcer or a large pot or dustbin.

Clear all the weeds and debris from around the rhubarb crown, making sure there is nothing which can grow or rot within the covered area.

Cover the crown with a large pot or similar, this will act as the forcer. The forcer will need to be at least 12in. (30cm) tall so the stems have space to grow.

Exclude all the light. Fill any gaps with some straw or black plastic, otherwise your rhubarb may take longer to force or the stems may not be as sweet.

Tender, bright pink young stems will be ready to harvest within 4-6 weeks. After you’ve picked the early stems from your crown you need to uncover it and let it grow naturally. A handful of balanced fertiliser and a dressing of compost will help to get the plant back in shape. You may get another batch of stems later in the season but it’s a good idea not to pick these so the plant gets a rest. Pick the following year as normal.

* Article provided by Amateur Gardening, the UKs best selling weekly gardening magazine on sale every Tuesday.