Rhubarb is a cold-hardy, herbaceous perennial vegetable plant whose root system survives for many years while the above-ground portion dies back each winter and grows anew each spring. To give rhubarb a boost, however, gardeners can use the technique of companion planting to reap more benefits.
Companion gardening is the practice of planting two or more plants together for the benefit of one or both plants. By planting rhubarb with certain plants, you can help increase the growth, vigour and taste of your rhubarb while reducing the likelihood of pests and diseases on both the rhubarb and the companion plant.
Gardening enthusiast Katie Krejci, behind the blog The Homeasteading RD, has listed a few of the best companion plants, but only one will improve the flavour of rhubarb.
Chives
Growing chives can be just what your garden needs if it has poor soil or too much shade from taller plants nearby.
Katie said: “This companion plant pairing is close to my heart because it’s the one that I’ve personally been using for years.”
She noted that both rhubarb and chives “seem to thrive” when grown close to each other.
Beans
Beans and rhubarb both benefit each other in different ways. Beans put nitrogen back into the soil, which rhubarb is very grateful for because it is a heavy feeder (needs a lot of nutrients).
Rhubarb also gives back to the beans by repelling black fly aphids, which are a common pest for beans.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a great benefit to rhubarb in that it can prevent the stalks from getting too “woody” while also “boosting its flavour”.
Rhubarb also benefits beets by providing some shade during the heat of the summer.
Katie added: “They look super cute planted next to each other with their beautiful, bright colours.”
Sage
Growing sage near your rhubarb plant will provide three different benefits. First, sage attracts beneficial, predatory insects that will knock down any infestations.
Second, the sage blooms attract pollinators. Third, sage has deep roots that serve as an excellent aerator of heavy and compact soil.