Rhubarb, often mistakenly referred to as a fruit due to its common pairing with strawberries in desserts, is actually a vegetable that offers a unique tartness and texture to various culinary dishes. When considering what to plant next to rhubarb, it’s essential to understand the principles of companion planting, which involves growing different plants together to improve their growth, health, and productivity. This practice can help deter pests, attract beneficial insects, and even enhance the flavor and texture of the plants involved. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of companion planting with rhubarb, exploring the best plants to grow alongside this versatile vegetable and why they make such excellent companions.
Understanding Rhubarb’s Growing Requirements
Before deciding what to plant next to rhubarb, it’s crucial to understand its growing requirements. Rhubarb is a cool-season crop that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically between 5.5 and 6.5. Rhubarb is also a heavy feeder and requires consistent moisture, especially when producing stems. Given these requirements, plants that complement rhubarb’s needs without competing for resources will make the best companions.
Companion Plants for Rhubarb
Several plants benefit from being planted next to rhubarb, and vice versa. These companion plants can be categorized based on their benefits, such as pest repellence, nutrient enhancement, and growth promotion.
Pest Repellent Companions
Certain plants are known to repel pests that might target rhubarb, reducing the need for pesticides and maintaining a healthier garden ecosystem. For instance, garlic repels aphids and other pests, while radish can help deter cucumber beetles, which can spread bacterial wilt and other diseases. Planting these species near rhubarb can offer protection against common pests.
Nutrient Enhancing Companions
Some plants help improve soil health, which in turn benefits rhubarb. Comfrey, for example, acts as a fertilizer plant by adding nutrients to the soil through its deep taproots, which bring up minerals from the subsoil that might be lacking in the topsoil. Legumes, such as beans and peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and improving the overall fertility of the soil for rhubarb and other plants.
Choosing the Best Companions for Rhubarb
When selecting companion plants for rhubarb, consider the specific benefits you want to achieve, such as improved growth, pest control, or enhanced flavor. Here are some of the best plants to consider planting next to rhubarb:
- Strawberries: Not only do strawberries and rhubarb make a delicious pair in pies and jams, but they also complement each other in the garden. Strawberries can help suppress weeds and their shallow roots do not compete with rhubarb’s deeper root system.
- Marigold: Marigolds repel nematodes, whiteflies, and other pests that might bother rhubarb. Their bright flowers also attract beneficial insects, adding to the garden’s biodiversity.
Care and Maintenance of Rhubarb and Its Companions
To ensure the health and productivity of rhubarb and its companion plants, regular care and maintenance are necessary. This includes providing adequate water, mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and fertilizing appropriately. It’s also important to monitor for pests and diseases and take action promptly if any issues arise.
Seasonal Considerations
Rhubarb is typically harvested in the spring, and after harvesting, the plants should be allowed to recover and replenish their energy reserves. During this time, companion plants can continue to thrive, helping to maintain soil health and prevent weed growth. In the fall, adding compost or well-rotted manure can prepare the soil for the next growing season, benefiting both rhubarb and its companions.
Conclusion
Planting the right companions next to rhubarb can significantly enhance its growth, reduce pest and disease issues, and contribute to a more balanced and diverse garden ecosystem. By understanding rhubarb’s growing requirements and selecting appropriate companion plants, gardeners can create a thriving and resilient vegetable garden. Whether you’re looking to improve soil health, deter pests, or simply add more variety to your garden, there are numerous benefits to companion planting with rhubarb. With the right knowledge and a little planning, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of rhubarb and its companion plants, reaping the rewards of a well-designed and harmonious garden.
What are the benefits of companion planting with rhubarb?
Companion planting with rhubarb offers several benefits, including improved growth, increased yields, and enhanced flavor. Rhubarb is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of plants to create a thriving and diverse garden ecosystem. By planting certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers alongside rhubarb, gardeners can create a mutually beneficial relationship that promotes healthy growth and deters pests and diseases. This approach to gardening can also help to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly garden.
Some of the specific benefits of companion planting with rhubarb include improved soil health, increased resistance to pests and diseases, and enhanced flavor and texture. For example, planting marigolds alongside rhubarb can help to deter nematodes, which can harm the plant’s roots, while planting comfrey can act as a fertilizer plant, adding nutrients to the soil that benefit the rhubarb. By choosing the right companion plants for rhubarb, gardeners can create a resilient and productive garden that requires fewer external inputs and produces healthier, more flavorful crops.
Which plants make good companions for rhubarb?
Rhubarb can be paired with a variety of plants to create a thriving and diverse garden ecosystem. Some good companions for rhubarb include vegetables like beans, peas, and cucumbers, which can provide shade and support for the rhubarb plants. Herbs like mint, chamomile, and lemon balm can also be planted alongside rhubarb, and can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects. Flowers like marigolds, nasturtiums, and calendulas can add color and vibrancy to the garden, while also providing benefits like pest control and soil health.
In addition to these plants, there are several other options that can make good companions for rhubarb. For example, planting rhubarb alongside Members of the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, can help to create a diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. These plants can provide shade and support for the rhubarb, while also attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. Similarly, planting rhubarb alongside comfrey can help to add nutrients to the soil, creating a fertile and productive garden that requires fewer external inputs.
Can rhubarb be planted with tomatoes?
Rhubarb can be planted with tomatoes, but it’s not necessarily the best combination. Tomatoes and rhubarb have different growing requirements and space needs, which can make it challenging to grow them together successfully. Tomatoes require full sun and well-draining soil, while rhubarb prefers partial shade and moist, fertile soil. If the soil is too dry, the rhubarb may not thrive, while the tomatoes may become waterlogged if the soil is too wet.
Despite these challenges, it’s not impossible to grow rhubarb and tomatoes together. If you want to try this combination, make sure to provide enough space between the plants for good air circulation and access to sunlight. You can also use a trellis or other support system to keep the tomatoes upright and organized, which can help to prevent them from shading out the rhubarb. By choosing a compact or dwarf variety of tomato, you can also help to minimize competition for space and resources.
How can I use companion planting to deter pests that target rhubarb?
Companion planting can be an effective way to deter pests that target rhubarb, such as aphids, slugs, and snails. Certain plants, like garlic, hot peppers, and radishes, have natural pest-repelling properties that can help to keep these pests away from the rhubarb. Other plants, like marigolds and nasturtiums, can attract beneficial insects that prey on rhubarb pests, creating a balanced and resilient garden ecosystem.
To use companion planting to deter pests that target rhubarb, start by choosing a variety of plants that are known to repel the specific pests you’re trying to control. For example, if you’re trying to control aphids, plant garlic or radishes alongside the rhubarb. If you’re trying to control slugs and snails, plant marigolds or nasturtiums. Make sure to plant these companions at the same time as the rhubarb, or shortly after, to maximize their effectiveness.
Can I plant rhubarb with strawberries?
Rhubarb and strawberries can be planted together, and this combination can be beneficial for both plants. Strawberries can help to repel pests that target rhubarb, such as aphids and slugs, while the rhubarb can provide shade and support for the strawberries. This combination can also create a beautiful and productive garden bed, with the red strawberries providing a pop of color against the green rhubarb foliage.
To plant rhubarb with strawberries, choose a variety of strawberry that is compact or spreading, and plant it around the base of the rhubarb. Make sure to provide enough space for both plants to grow and thrive, and consider using a mulch or other soil covering to retain moisture and suppress weeds. As the strawberries produce fruit, you can use the rhubarb to create delicious pies and tarts, or enjoy it on its own as a crunchy and tangy snack.
Are there any plants that should not be planted with rhubarb?
Yes, there are several plants that should not be planted with rhubarb, as they can compete for space and resources, or even inhibit the rhubarb’s growth. For example, potatoes and eggplants can be susceptible to the same diseases as rhubarb, and planting them together can increase the risk of infection. Members of the Solanaceae family, such as peppers and tomatoes, can also compete with rhubarb for space and nutrients, and may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Other plants that should not be planted with rhubarb include fennel, dill, and kohlrabi, which can inhibit the rhubarb’s growth or create an imbalance in the garden ecosystem. Fennel, in particular, can release chemicals that can stunt the growth of nearby plants, including rhubarb. By avoiding these combinations, gardeners can create a healthy and productive garden that allows the rhubarb to thrive, while also promoting biodiversity and ecosystem balance. By choosing the right companion plants for rhubarb, gardeners can create a resilient and thriving garden that requires fewer external inputs and produces healthier, more flavorful crops.