Rhubarb goes with comfort food – in pies, crumbles and with custard – so think about planting some now to harvest next year.

It needs an open site with moist, free-draining soil, and avoid frost pockets as the stems are susceptible. For the best results, divide rootstocks into ‘sets’ and replant these to grow into new plants between mid-autumn and early spring.

Alternatively, sow seed in modules in late winter and plant the seedlings out in late spring.

Rhubarb must be kept weedfree, and keep in the moisture by applying a mulch, taking care not to bury the crown. Remove yellowing leaves to stop the crowns smothering each other, and water regularly to keep it moist and actively growing until autumn.

Don’t harvest rhubarb in the first year, as this will reduce vigour. Leave it until the second year to lightly pull up some of the stems.