How to Join a Rhubarb-forcing Society (and Should You?)
Forcing rhubarb—from candlelit sheds in Yorkshire to upturned pots in backyard gardens—is one of gardening’s most magical traditions. Some growers take their passion a step further by joining (or founding!) rhubarb-forcing societies: local or informal groups devoted to the technique, camaraderie, and celebration of forced rhubarb. Here’s what these societies are all about, how to join, and why you might want to become a member.
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What is a Rhubarb-forcing Society?
- A club or informal group: Dedicated to the art and tradition of forcing rhubarb for the earliest, pinkest, and tenderest stalks.
- Most famous in the Yorkshire “Rhubarb Triangle,” UK, but similar traditions exist from New Zealand to North America and Scandinavia.
- Often centered around winter events: Visits to candle-lit forcing sheds, tasting sessions, and friendly competitions for best stalks.
What Do Members Do?
- Share tips and tales: Swap secrets for growing, forcing, and cooking rhubarb.
- Host “rhubarb pulls”: Gatherings where growers harvest forced stalks in early spring.
- Taste and judge: Members compare varieties, color, tenderness, and flavor—often holding friendly competitions.
- Preserve folklore: Many groups collect stories, art, recipes, and photographs to celebrate rhubarb culture and history.
- Social events: Potlucks, pie bakes, wine tastings, and “pink stalk feasts.”
How to Join a Rhubarb-forcing Society
1. Look Local First
- Ask at your nearest allotment, gardening club, or community plot—there might be an informal group already.
- Search for clubs in traditional rhubarb-growing regions (especially Yorkshire, UK; Oregon & Minnesota, US).
2. Try Online
- Facebook Groups, Reddit gardening subs, and local forums often have rhubarb-forcing enthusiasts and swap groups.
3. Visit Rhubarb Festivals
- The Wakefield Rhubarb Festival (UK) is famously welcoming to new enthusiasts and often holds public “pulls” and judging events.
4. Start Your Own!
- Bring together friends, neighbors, or fellow allotment growers to swap crowns, compare stalks, and host forcing competitions.
- Hold an annual “First Stalk Feast” to launch the season.
Why Join? (Or Start One?)
- Expert advice you won’t find in books or YouTube.
- Access to rare varieties and stock swaps.
- Culinary challenges—who can make the best forced rhubarb pie?
- Friendship and celebration: Forced rhubarb season is short—sharing it is more fun.
- Preserving tradition: Be part of a living link to unique gardening heritage.
Is Membership Essential for Forcing Success?
No! Anyone can force rhubarb at home with upturned buckets, straw, or purpose-built forcing jars. But joining a society can fast-track your skills, expand your network, and open the door to new rhubarb adventures.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re a winter gardener at heart or just love tradition and early spring harvests, a rhubarb-forcing society brings together good company, healthy competition, and buckets of pink-stem magic. Join in—or start your own—and you’ll be part of a unique garden community.