Tasty rhubarb

June 4, 2011 — Rhubarb is one of our strangest crops. Mike McGrath takes a close look at the only vegetable we use like a fruit. Plus your fabulous phone calls.

Listen to the mp3

We love rhubarb, but many years ago our huge patch died and we were told there was a disease in the soil. Since then I have tried many times to start new crowns in other spots. The roots go in a deep rich hole and the shoots come up beautiful, but the leaves start to go brown and brittle when they are about 5 inches in size. Soon the plant withers and dies—but amazingly, comes back the next spring. Can you help? I’m dreaming of rhubarb pie and jam! Get the answer »