Forcing Rhubarb

Rhubarb loves cold weather. If the crown is exposed to frost, the plant produces much better sticks of rhubarb, especially when it is forced. You can force the plant into growth in the garden where it is growing (easier with large crowns) or place a crown in a pot and place it under protection for an even earlier crop. You need to exclude any daylight and provide frost protection after it starts to grow. You could be pulling your own rhubarb within a couple of months. Check the plants regularly to make sure they are not being attacked by slugs or grey mould.