In the garden I have recently taken over [neglected for over 3 years] I have been told there was an old rhubarb bed which is now covered in grass. Would it still be alive? How can I tell? If it is what would be the best way of removing the grass without damaging the rhubarb? Any help would be welcome for a rhubarb novice.
That's a good question!
without seeing the area (hint, hint, add a photo) I would say, just roughly rip out (by hand) the worst of the grass, now. then (if you got some) mulch with manure / compost this will exclude the light, the Rhubarb will benefit from this! If you got a 45 gal drum / old dustbin /large pot, etc, cover up a crown or two, this will kill everything except the rhubarb, and give you some lovely tender, pink rhubarb for your first crumble of the year! ;)
Have a closer look and see if you can see signs of rhubarb.
I have attached a picture to show you what you are looking for.
OK your rhubarb may not be as far on as that shown in the picture but what you are looking for is growth similar to the the bit shown on the right of the picture before the leaves start unfolding.
If you find this you are off to a good start.
Then the hard work bit....................dig it up and replant it!
Do not put the spade too near to the emerging crown, imagine a dinner plate placed over the crown and dig around it if you will.
Be prepared for a rather large root system!
It might come away in pieces but providing you have a crown on each piece it should grow OK.
Prepare another bed for the new transplant and plant the division.
Plant it at the same depth as it was when you found it.
BTW when you have it out of the ground remove the weed/grass roots that have become entwined before replanting it.
Best of luck!
http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Rhubarb/Rhubarb.htm (http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Rhubarb/Rhubarb.htm)
(http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Rhubarb/Week%2015a.JPG)