By 
Gardening Tip of the Day
Rhubarb stalks are edible but the leaves are toxic and should never be eaten by humans or pets. Here are some ways to safely use rhubarb leaves in the garden.
Insects do not like rhubarb. Boil 1 cup chopped rhubarb leaves in 2 to 3 quarts of water for 20 minutes. After it cools, strain through a cheesecloth or screen to remove the leaf bits. Depending on how much liquid is left, add up to one-fourth cup dishwashing liquid. Spray the mixture onto affected plants. It is said that this mixture is also a great tonic to reduce blight on tomato plants. If rhubarb spray is used on edible plants, do not use immediately before harvest.
Rhubarb leaves will add nitrogen to a compost pile.
Rhubarb leaves can be placed in garden beds as a weed suppressant. As they decompose they will add nitrogen to the plants.
Beekeepers can use crushed rhubarb leaves and stalks in beehives between the super and brood box to protect against varroa mites. Worker bees will slowly remove the rhubarb.
Author Marilyn Pokorney
Copyright Marilyn Pokorney 2022
