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  • Composting rhubarb leaves

    Created by Jen smith on July 20, 2015 at 6:39 am

    Can I compost rhubarb leaves?
    Can I harvest rhubarb stems in mid July in zone 7, S.E. Pennsylvania?

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  • July 26, 2015 at 8:42 am #178509

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Jen –

    The oxalic acid from rhubarb is mostly broken down, diluted and pH balances relatively fast from and remaining oxalic acid from decomposing rhubarb stalks. The level of acid does not inhibit the microbial action of composting.

    Also, it’s best not to harvest your rhubarb in the first growing season to give your plants a chance to become established. Harvesting should be done when plants are 12 to 18 inches long.

    Hope this helps!

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