Hey garden friends! Ever wondered what to do with those huge rhubarb leaves after harvesting the stalks? I used to think they were just waste, but boy was I wrong! While we can’t eat them (they’re toxic due to oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides), there are tons of awesome ways to put these giant leaves to work. Let me share some brilliant ideas I’ve discovered and tested myself!
Quick Warning Before We Start
Before diving in remember this important rule Never eat rhubarb leaves! They contain toxic compounds that can make you seriously sick. But don’t worry – there are plenty of safe and creative ways to use them.
1. Natural Garden Helper
As a Weed Barrier
Those big heart-shaped leaves make excellent weed suppressors! Here’s how I use them
- Layer them around plants
- Place them between garden rows
- Use on garden paths
- Keep adding new layers as old ones decompose
As an Organic Pesticide
I’ve found this super effective for garden pests
- Tear up few leaves and boil in water (30 minutes)
- Let it cool and strain
- Add a drop of dish soap
- Put in spray bottle
- Use on ornamental plants daily
Pro tip: Store unused spray in the fridge, but use within few days!
2. Natural Cleaning Solution
The oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves makes an excellent natural cleaner:
- Great for removing rust
- Works on stainless steel
- Cleans ceramic and porcelain
- Good for polishing metal
How to make it: Boil the leaves in water for 30 minutes, then strain the water and use it. Remember to wear gloves!.
3. Eco-Friendly Dye
Want to try natural dyeing? Rhubarb leaves create beautiful colors:
- Creates yellow-green shades
- Works great on natural fibers
- No extra mordant needed (leaves contain natural fixative)
- Longer simmering = darker color
4. Garden Art Projects
Bird Bath
Make a gorgeous garden feature:
- Use leaves as molds
- Apply concrete mixture
- Add reinforcement
- Let it dry
- Remove leaf
- Paint or leave natural
Stepping Stones
Similar process as bird bath but flat version – makes beautiful garden paths!
5. Composting Champion
Do not worry about those dangerous chemicals; they will break down safely in compost! Put them in your pile for
- Extra nitrogen
- Quick decomposition
- Soil enrichment
- Safe finished compost
6. Natural Fertilizer
Make a nutrient-rich plant food:
- Mix 5 parts water to 1 part chopped leaves
- Boil mixture
- Steep for 30 minutes
- Strain
- Use to water non-food plants
7. DIY Mulch
These big leaves make excellent mulch:
- Helps retain moisture
- Suppresses weeds
- Breaks down to feed soil
- Free garden resource
Tips for Success
When working with rhubarb leaves:
- Always wear gloves
- Label any solutions you make
- Keep solutions away from children and pets
- Use within a few days or freeze
- Don’t use on food crops unless specified safe
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using rhubarb leaves in my garden for years, and I have to say, they’re great! My favorite way to use them is to keep weeds out. It’s saved me a lot of time pulling weeds, and it’s really satisfying to see them break down into rich soil.
Bottom Line
Don’t let these valuable leaves go to waste! There are so many creative and practical ways to use them around your garden and home. Just remember the golden rule – never eat them, but feel free to put them to work in all these other awesome ways!
What’s your favorite way to use rhubarb leaves? Tell me about it in the comments!
Remember: When in doubt about any use, especially around food plants, err on the side of caution and stick to non-food applications.
Make a Bird Bath
Hypertufa is a light foam that looks like rock and can be used to make flower pots or bird baths. A form is needed, and for my birdbath I used a large rhubarb leaf. Learn how I did it here. It’s a fun project!.
Use Rhubarb Leaves as Mulch
The leaves of rhubarb can grow quite large which makes it easy to just lay them down as mulch between plants. They do a nice job of temporarily blocking weeds. They do decompose quickly and will need to be replaced. And like composting them, it is perfectly safe to use them in the garden. We love to use them in our lasagna garden.
Super Effective All Natural Pest Control Using RHUBARB Leaves!
FAQ
What animal will eat rhubarb leaves?
Even though rhubarb leaves have poisonous chemicals in them, like oxalic acid, some animals may still eat them, especially if they are hungry or the plants are the only food source nearby. Animals that are known to eat rhubarb leaves include deer, goats, and rabbits, though they may experience adverse effects.
How to get oxalic acid out of rhubarb leaves?
Thanks (again) to oxalic acid, boiling rhubarb leaves in water for about half an hour should leave your pots looking shiny and stain-free. Mar 28, 2022.
How to make insecticide from rhubarb leaves?
Preparation. Place the rhubarb leaves in 20 litres of water overnight. The next day, use the water to spray on your plants. Apr 18, 2025.
What should you not plant next to rhubarb?
- #1 Dock
- #2 Corn
- #3 Melons & Pumpkins
- #4 Cucumbers
- #5 Tomatoes
What can you do with rhubarb leaves?
Rhubarb’s large, veiny leaves are perfect for making unique leaf castings. Press a leaf into cement, let dry, then remove the leaf. This leaves an imprint that can be used as a garden stepping stone or wall art. Concrete made with wire mesh reinforcement is most durable. The leaves can be boiled to extract a green fabric dye.
What are rhubarb leaves used for?
Rhubarb leaves have many uses beyond the compost bin. Their natural toxins can be harnessed as cleaning solutions, pesticides and dyes. With some creativity, the large leaves can even become DIY garden projects. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling the leaves and never ingest them.
Can you eat rhubarb leaves?
Naturally tart, rhubarb stalks can be prepped into a myriad of delicious sweet and savory recipes. Don’t Eat Rhubarb Leaves! It’s been well and truly hammered into to our heads by now that, while the colorful stalks are perfectly safe for consumption, you should never, ever eat the leaves. This is because the large leafy greens contain oxalic acid.
Can You compost rhubarb leaves?
It is perfectly safe to compost rhubarb leaves. Many parts of the oxalic acid will be broken down, and the poison won’t be spread to other plants or microorganisms in the soil. Go ahead and throw rhubarb leaves in your compost. They will decompose and help to build your garden soil.
Can You Spray rhubarb leaves?
Blend rhubarb leaves with water, strain, and spray onto your plants as a homemade insecticide. Remember, though, to handle with care and keep this spray away from edible parts of your garden veggies. Rhubarb leaves can tell you a lot about the health of your garden soil.
How do you clean rhubarb leaves?
The oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves is a powerful natural cleaning agent. Boil the leaves in water for 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves. The resulting liquid can be used to clean pots and pans remove stains from various surfaces, and scrub away rust. Always wear gloves when handling oxalic acid and rinse surfaces afterwards.