Timothy Norton

I have rhubarb envy.

I see people around me with big beautiful stands of rhubarb with huge leaves and long stalks. Some of these people inform me that the plant(s) have been there for years and years and years or something along those lines.

I have a couple plants that are a couple years old, maybe one that is three years old, and they just seem puny in comparison.

Before I decide on relocation or trying to bring in a different strain of rhubarb, I figure I should ask.

How long does it take for rhubarb to be established and productive?

Thanks all!

I'll give you another thing to look for in your future interactions. Watch his ears as he interacts with you. If they are pinning back, he is NOT happy. If he is hopping and kicking but his ears are staying relatively forward he may be trying to initiate play with you.

Donkey play can be hazardous as they think kicking and rearing is the bees knees. You may need to ignore (don't turn your back on him!) and carry on with confidence until he 'gets' it.

I'm hoping the bribe does the trick but you might unintentionally be becoming his buddy.

Donks, especially mini donks, are just horse puppies.

For your situation, I recommend bribes. Donkeys can be territorial over their space but that doesn't excuse them from having bad manners. Carrot or apple pieces may be accepted donkey currency to 'pay' your way through his space.  

If you have time on your side and the goal is to turn a grassy area into usable space, I have found that a THICK (12"+) layer of coarse arborist wood chip does the job well.

Originally I would place a smothering layer underneath this made of a layer of kraft paper but I have had decent success. If somehow any weeds do persist, they tend to come up (root and all) with ease via hand weeding.

A quick shameless plug to remind folks that Permies hosts a Gear Review Grid where permie people review a variety of products like tools.

I've had really good luck with my Metal Flat Shovel tackling really rocky spots on my property. If I really have to pry on something, I will break out a long pinch bar.

I got incredibly excited when I looked out my window and saw my apple trees starting to bloom.

Spring is here!

Riona Abhainn wrote:my 5 year plumtree, inspite of it being the second year it flowered, doesn't have any fruit setting.

I'm newer to plum trees, and I have one type that is allegedly self pollinating while the other states it needs another pollinator. Could yours perhaps need a pollinator buddy?

Fingers crossed for more successes than failures in your near future!

The brand "North Country Smokehouse" uses celery powder instead of nitrates so it is nitrate free. I have seen it in grocers like Hannaford.

I'm spitballing, I don't know for sure, but perhaps something alcohol based might help cut through the sap stain?

I've used rubbing alcohol for tree sap stain removal so I'm making an assumption that it might be a similar vein.

My recently planted bareroot peach was doing so good! It leafed out and... cold snap.

It's dead Jim (Tim?).

Boo!

Silver lining... I now get to obtain another fruit tree! Bigger, better and more resilient!