Rhubarb Companion Planting
Rheum rhabarbarum
Buckwheat (Polygonaceae) -- cool season
Good Companions for Rhubarb
Garlic volatiles deter aphids and other sap-sucking insects from rhubarb. Both are perennial/semi-perennial crops that can coexist long-term. Garlic antifungal properties may reduce crown rot.
Plant garlic around the perimeter of rhubarb crowns. Both are cold-hardy perennials.
- Volatile compounds from Allium spp. affecting insect behavior -- Phytochemistry (2004)
Rhubarb's large leaves shade the ground between strawberry rows, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture. Both are perennial, cold-hardy crops with compatible growing conditions.
Space adequately -- rhubarb plants are large. Both benefit from heavy compost applications.
- Perennial polyculture systems for fruit and vegetable production -- HortScience (2012)
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