First rhubarb tip

This is exciting!

Rhubarb signals the start of the growing season so it's good to see the first stem, even though it's been nibbled by a slug or snail.

When I took on the allotment 5 years ago, my parents-in-law divided their established rhubarb (from the Yorkshire triangle, where they live) so it was one of the very first things I planted on the plot. Although, given how willing most allotmenteers are to get rid of their excess harvests (you can only eat so much...), you could easily live off other people's rhubarb!

I only force it every other year as it can weaken the plant to force it repeatedly. So it's good news this year is a forcing year - which means delicious sweet early stems soon!