Harvesting Rhubarb

There's a potluck tomorrow, the rhubarb is growing, so I'm making rhubarb crisp. I used to think that rhubarb was cut from the plant. A few years ago, I learned that rhubarb is actually pulled from the base of the plant and new stalks grow where the old ones are pulled. I pull the larger stalks that are firm and leave the thinner ones to grow.

Here's a picture of a stalk that has been pulled. Notice the funny looking end at the base of the stalk? That will be cut off and composted.

After the rhubarb is pulled, I cut off the poisonous leaves and leave them laying in the garden to compost. Plants should be spaced about 36" apart. As you can see, these plants are too close together and will need to be split up after the growing season.
It's time to head for the kitchen and make the Rhubarb Crisp!