Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a hero in both the kitchen and the garden. It is easy and fast to grow indoors to add a slight nutty taste to salads or sandwiches.
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Thinking of growing rhubarb? You’ll be surprised to know that you just need to plant it once, treat it well and it will continue to produce gorgeous edible stalks for you to use (more apple and rhubarb crumble for your tum!). You’ll need a little bit of patience though, as harvesting takes place from the second year. Rhubarb is typically grown from crowns in winter or early spring, but it can also be grown from seed.
How to grow rhubarb in a garden
- Choose a sunny or part-shade spot in your garden, protected from the hot afternoon sun. Loosen soil and enrich with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
- Sow seeds direct or plant in trays of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix and allow seeds to grow 7cm tall before transplanting. If growing from crowns, plant so that the roots are under the soil, but the ‘eye’ (from where the shoots will emerge) is at ground level.
- Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate during the growing season and mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulch like pea or lucerne straw to retain moisture.
- Wait until the second year before harvesting. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the main stem – don’t cut them as exposed stems can cause rot. Continually harvest to promote new growth and remove any flower stalks.
How to grow rhubarb in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in a sunny or part-shade spot in your garden, protected from the hot afternoon sun. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- Fill starter trays with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, lightly cover and water. Keep the soil moist throughout germination. If growing from crowns, plant so the roots are under the potting mix, but the ‘eye’ (from where the shoots emerge) is at ground level.
- Once seedlings reach 7cm tall, transplant into chosen pot and water in well.
- Feed plants weekly with Yates Thrive Natural Fish Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate during the growing season.
- Wait until the second year before harvesting. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the main stem – don’t cut them as exposed stems can cause rot. Continually harvest to promote new growth and remove any flower stalks.
Growing tips
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Don’t begin harvesting until the plant is well established, which may mean waiting until the second year. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the base with a sharp tug. Never cut them.
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Leave the youngest stalks in the centre of each plant to promote new growth.
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Rhubarb leaves and roots are poisonous and should be discarded or composted.
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After about four or five years, break up the established clump and spread to new, well-prepared parts of the garden. The best time to divide is in winter.
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Stalks don’t always develop red stems, but green stems are safe to eat and the flavour is just as good. Stems tend to develop stronger red colouring in cooler climates.
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In winter, loosen soil around the plants and fork in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. This will give them a good start for spring growth.
Watercress
The peppery taste of watercress brings the pizzazz to sandwiches, winter dishes & garnishes. The high content of Calcium, Iron & Vitamins make watercress a super-healthy option.
Perilla
A widely used ingredient in Asian cooking, it's highly nutritious and beautiful to look at too. Here's how to grow perilla in the garden or in pots.
Swede
Here's a guide on how to grow swedes in the garden or pots.
Recommended products
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate
A complete plant food enriched with natural fish, seaweed, humates, molasses and more - boosted with NPK to improve plant and soil vitality.
Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix
Specially formulated for trouble-free seed raising in trays (or outdoor seed sowing direclty into the ground) and propagation of cuttings.
Yates Premium Potting Mix
A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.
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