Hi, I have had a rhubarb plant for several years, but the stalks never get bigger than a cm wide. Then eventually they fall over and die. How can I get it "GOING"? Thanks.

Hi Tony, there are several reasons for your rhubarb failing to thrive. The first reason is poor soils and drying out over the summer - make sure your soil is rich in organic matter such as compost and sheep pellets as they like a nitrogen rich soil. Also, feed your plant with an organic based balanced fertiliser such as Tui Performance Naturals All Purpose fertiliser pellets. These pellets are a rich source of nitrogen as well as supplying organic matter to the soil. Overcrowding can also cause the stems to be thin, give the plant space to grow. Divide rhubarb crowns every 5-6 years, do this in autumn or late winter, early spring. Make sure your plant is in full sun, the soil is well drained and keep adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost, well rotted grass clippings, rotted animal manure. Water weekly in the growing season. An application of Tui Sheep pellets or Tui Chicken and Sheep pellets will also benefit the plant and hopefully help grow large stalks in the season to come. Lianne, Tui Team.