Them Rhubarb forcers ?

Looking at getting one of those Rhubarb forcers. The ones I have seen are clay and I realise its probably easy to knock up something home made but the clay ones look kinda cool and act as an ornament as well as its intended job.

Has anyone used one ? If so what where the results ?

Also other than Ebay where is a good place to buy. I think one of the larger ones would be best for us.

As always . Thanks

Charlie.

 

Down on my allotment I just us an old dustbin,place it over the crown of rhubarb make sure no light can get though top or bottom,leave for a week or two then have a peek to see whats happening .forced rhubarb is very tender and sweet ,so sit back,wait them enjoy it.

 

Much as I admire your frugal approach to the solution I was hoping to gain a brownie point or two with the gaffer by using a slightly more ornate device.. I could of course nick my neighbors bin but then I would be in double trouble ......

But thank you for the advice

 

I have used old dustbins and even an old water tank. However I've also used a Yorkshire Terracotta Long Tom pot with a tile over the drainage hole. This has the advantage of being more decorative than a dustbin and that after the rhubarb has been forced I can fill the pot with summer bedding. They are a bit pricey but similar in cost to a terracotta rhubarb forcer.

 

Errrr .... What's a long Tom pot ?

 

A long tom pot is a pot that is longer and narrower at the top than a standard pot. See link http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yorkshire-Flower-Pots-Pair-Large/dp/B00E2SARRC
Originally used for tomatoes, I think.

 

Well tonight I go to bed rich in the knowledge I've learnt something new. Thanks for that !

But heck the real forces are way cheaper ? A good idea nonetheless !

But the forceps I have seen have a lid that can be taken off to have a look at the crop ?

Anyway it seems like these things are a good idea and the gaffer wants one so it shall be..

Thanks for the help !

Charlie,

 

Gorrum ! Went to Webbs at Wychbold which is about 17 miles from home and picked up these pair ... Brownie points earned me thinks ?



Daft question but do I water through the lid in the top or wet the ground around them ? There are two quite large rhubarb crowns growing well inside the pots. They were planted last year and did very well..

 

Don't forget that forcing takes a lot out of a rhubarb crown, after collecting the forced stalks leave the crown to build up its reserves once again.

Cheers, Tony.

 

My nearby large garden centre were selling some for £14 a few years back. Wish I bought them when I saw them but as usual hesitated and came home without them.

 

They do look somewhat erotic! I can imagine a non-gardening neighbour glancing over the fence and thinking you'd installed a rude sculpture.

 

These ones were £32 each which is not bad considering they are the larger ones. Couldn't find them for less than £65 online but then the postage must really cost !

 

You want to keep the roots moist, but not overly wet (and definitely do not want them to dry out) and you water around the plant, not via the top/lid