Rhubarb leaves in compost? - Ask Extension
I have rhubarb plants in my current garden from my boyhood home in Wisconsin (I am 78 and live in Colorado). I tried putting rhubarb leaves in my heal...
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Rhubarb leaves in compost? #774332
Asked October 05, 2021, 5:41 PM EDT
I have rhubarb plants in my current garden from my boyhood home in Wisconsin (I am 78 and live in Colorado). I tried putting rhubarb leaves in my healthy and active compost and about a week later when I went to turn it, there were zero of the previously very abundant little “red wriggler” worms in the compost. I blamed their demise on the rhubarb leaves. The worm population recovered in about a month but your article suggests putting rhubarb leaves in the compost. I recommend against it. I picked a country randomly so I could submit my comments.
Terry J Mather
<personal data hidden>
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
Terry, thanks for the comment.
Although there seems to be little research available on this issue, there is a plethora of anecdotal evidence suggesting that worm composting rhubarb leaves should not be a problem. Worm death can be a result of various causes. Check out the following link:
I hope this is helpful.
