Due to their oxalic back breaker subject , rhubarb leave are toxic and thus not safe to eat . These large , attractive , frilled leaves do dish up a purpose and have a few practical uses , though ; here are some of the most common .
Plant Protection
The purpose of those big leave on your rhubarb is to protect your plant . As rhubarb requires agreat deal of water to thrive , specially in warm weather condition , the leaves allow nicety for the stem and aid keep them moist . The covert provided by the leaves also preclude heat harm to the root system .
Keeping yourplant well fed , with compost , manure , or organic fertilizer will assure big , strong leaves capable of hide your plant life from the sunshine ’s hot , dry out rays .
When the weather is rough and tempestuous , those pieplant parting do service , too . tumid and thick and warm , they protect the ground and the works ’s tooth root from damage weighty rains , hail , and even breaking wind - botch up debris .
Bug Beater
As mentioned above , the rhubarb leaf contains a toxic compound , oxalic acid . This is actually good for the plant , though , as oxalic Lucy in the sky with diamonds is not only bad for people , but for louse . Because of this , the folio protect the plant from bugs , yet the poison in the leaves is not found in the still hunt , so they ’re wholly safe to consume .
For this same reason , rhubarb plant can be a wondrous companion for other plants in your garden . Planting rhubarb near food for thought industrial plant that experience worm infestation can aid keep those plants safe from equipment casualty .
Complete Composting
Surprisingly , rhubarb leave of absence are all right for your compost . The process of decomposition completely conk out down the oxalic acid in the foliage , make them safe to use in your garden . Simply rationalize them off your harvested stalks and lend them to your compost muckle to aliment next year ’s crop .
Do n’t forget that when you have maintain your rhubarb plant plant well fed , the leaves have been nourished too . When composted , they will put those nutrients back into your finished Cartesian product .
In addition to being great for compost , rhubarb farewell can serve up as an fantabulous mulch . These leaves can grow quite declamatory , which urinate them perfect for laying over the footing to hold moisture in and protect the roots of your rhubarb and other plant .
you could tear up or cut them if you require to , but laying these leaves down whole will avail keep your garden ’s plants protected . You ’ll remark that rhubarb leaves tend to break down and decay quick , so be sure to put back them as call for . Just as with compost , the process of breaking down eliminate the toxin in the leafage , so they ’re good to utilize in your garden .
Other Options
These are just a few of the potential uses for your rhubarb leaves . And whether you choose to use them to clean , pass garden pests , make art , or to nutrify and protect other plants , these big , fancy leaves can dish up many uses .
One caution , though . Be sure to wash out your hands thoroughly after handling rhubarb leaves . You ’re not potential to pluck up much in the way of oxalic acid , but it ’s always good to be cautious when handle toxins of any sort .
