Companion Planting with Rhubarb: Friends and Foes
Rhubarb brings bold leaves and big harvests, but did you know the right neighbors can boost your patch’s productivity and resilience? Companion planting with rhubarb is all about choosing friends that help keep pests at bay, build soil, and efficiently use garden space—and knowing a few “foes” to avoid. Here’s your practical, gardener-tested guide to rhubarb companions.
Why Try Companion Planting with Rhubarb?
- Natural pest control: Certain plants repel insects or attract beneficial bugs that protect rhubarb.
- Better yields: Smart pairings maximize use of sun, water, and nutrients.
- Weed suppression: Fast-spreading companions help shade the soil and keep weeds down.
- Ecosystem boost: A diverse bed is healthier, easier to care for, and more welcoming to pollinators.
Best Friends for Rhubarb
1. Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale)
- Benefit from the microclimate and pest resistance rhubarb creates.
- Large rhubarb leaves may deter some cabbage pests.
2. Beans & Peas
- Legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, feeding rhubarb over time.
- Space well so leaves don’t overly shade beans.
3. Strawberries
- Shallow roots don’t compete with rhubarb’s deep ones.
- Great for weed suppression and perfect for a strawberry–rhubarb pie themed bed.
4. Garlic & Onions (Alliums)
- Help deter aphids, beetles, and other pests near your patch.
5. Borage
- Attracts pollinators, deters tomato hornworms and is said to improve nearby rhubarb growth.
6. Chives, Sage, Mint (well-contained)
- Repel insects and bring beneficial blooms and aroma.
Plants to Avoid Near Rhubarb
- Melons, Pumpkins, Squash: These heavy feeders and space-hogs compete for water and nutrients.
- Sunflowers & Corn: Tall plants shade rhubarb, leading to thin stalks.
- Potatoes: Can attract similar soil pests and harbor diseases that affect rhubarb.
- Mint (if not contained): Can take over and choke out patches.
Planting & Layout Tips
- Leave a clear 10–15cm (4–6”) collar around your rhubarb crowns—avoid crowding.
- Mulch around rhubarb and companions to retain moisture and keep weeds out.
- Rotate alliums and other companions every few years for best results.
Bonus: Using Rhubarb Leaves in Companion Beds
- Don’t eat rhubarb leaves (they’re toxic), but you can compost them safely or use as weed-suppressing mulch between beds.
Wrapping Up
Paired well, rhubarb is a neighborhood hero—shading the soil, fending off pests, and supplying a giant edible crop. Whether you’re tucking it among strawberries or edging a cabbage bed, smart companion planting means a happier, healthier garden—and an even tastier harvest.