Pesticides in my yard + rhubarb ??

ArcticFox

When we first moved in, there were ants EVERYWHERE.  It drove me nuts, and there was one of those Ortho Home Defense things in the garage, so I used it around some trouble areas (it is like a gallon container with a sprayer).

Well, now I would never consider using that stuff, but what's done is done.

My question is, there is a huge rhubarb plant growing near where I sprayed the stuff.  It has prob been 5 years since I used the chemicals, but I feel like I would never consider eating the rhubarb.  Would you agree?  It just freaks me out too much.

foundmylazybum

I would. Unless you trucked in completely clean dirt for your garden, you don't have complete control over your other garden plants either...and five years is a long time--doesn't rhubarb die back each year and then regenerate? If that's true, five die backs has probably made it safe. 

CDMay2006

The part of the plant that you eat (stem) stores little.  Leaves and roots are more likely to retain chemicals, as the stem is primarily for fluid transport.

uncannycanuck

I'd eat it.

Five years? You could call it organic by now.

CutesBoots

I would.  And now I am craving strawberry rhubarb pie

SuperGreen

uncannycanuck:

I'd eat it.

Five years? You could call it organic by now.

This. The "waiting period" for getting organic certification is 3 years, so if you have sprayed nothing in 5 you're better than the organic rhubarb at the store.  I would totally eat it.

treesapplaud

Five years? and a stem? I'd eat it too!

I'd alos make a pesticide from the leaves. Leave a bunch of the unedible leaves (when you pick the stalks) to sit in water a week or two and then strain and dilute, depending on how much water you used. Add a squirt of dish soap and use a spray bottle.

Don't spray it directly on the edible parts.