Is it normal for the leaves to be largely eaten in autumn?
This sounds like an insect or other animal, such as deer or rabbit, has eaten your plants. There are a few things you can do.
Here is a link that will help:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/camouflage-gardening.htm
I bought a rhubarb at the international flower and garden show in Melbourne and the stalks are quite large now. However every time I cut open a stalk its green all the way through. Is this just a variety of rhubarb or am I doing something wrong? Should I give it more time?
There are some heirloom varieties of rhubarb, such as Victoria, that have green stalks. They are perfectly fine to eat.
We live in Cuenca, Ecuador. The temperatures here range from 45 degrees F to 80 degrees F. We have a rhubarb plant that has been producing for 3 years. Recently, the leaves have turned spotty red and the plant looks like it is trying to go dormant. There are still some leaves growing, but our plant that was producing huge leaves and many stalks has stopped major production. If it is trying to go dormant, what should we do? Does the root need to go into the freezer? If the root has to go in the freezer - how long? Please advise. Kim and Tom
Well, they do tend to require a dormancy below 40F to be able to produce well. If you want to simulate that you can put it in a lightly moist soil in a ziplock bag. Keep this on the top shelf of the refrigerator. This will give it the conditions, for at least a month, to produce again. This article will give you more information on the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/grow-rhubarb.htm
we have had a very early spring this year so the rhubarb is growing very fast. But, winter is coming back and we are expecting below freezing temps with snow and ice on the horizon. How do I or do I need to protect this new spring growth?
Yes, the tender emerging shoots are the most sensitive to cold and frost.
An old pillow case, milk jug or bucket can be used to cover the plants. Make sure you remove the covering as soon as the temps rise in the morning.
I live in northern Alabama and have tried to grow Rhubarb here without success. I have tried shade sun and pots. Tired growing directly in my garden. The humidity is high here in the summer and it makes a lot of gardening harder, Is there anyway?
This can, actually, be a bit of a challenge in warmer areas. This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/rhubarb-in-hot-climates.htm
What do I put in the soil before planting rhubarb please
There are many things that you can put into the soil. I recommend a few things. Dolomitic lime, compost, worm castings, iron sulfate, and, if you would like, some perlite to assist with drainage.
Something I cannot identify is eating huge holes in the leaves of my newly blooming rhurbarb plant. what can I do?
It could be slugs. The best way to tell is to go out at night with a flashlight and try to find the culprit. Caterpillars also make good size holes but they are visible in the day. Take a close look as some have amazingly good camouflage. If it turns out to be slugs, here is an article on controlling them. https://extension.psu.edu/landscaping-and-gardening-around-walnuts-and-other-juglone-producing-plants. The article mentions using egg shells to deter slugs but studies have shown that this doesn't work well. Baits like Sluggo and Sluggo Plus are safe for birds and pets. Also consider covering your rhubarb with a row-cover material during the night. You'll need to tuck it in right next to the base of the plant.