Time to plant rhubarb, feed rhododendrons and azaleas, and transplant rhodies

Plant rhubarb roots now, but the pie will have to wait.

Rhubarb roots are available and ready to plant at most local nurseries. Choose a sunny location with good drainage. If your soil drains poorly, bring in topsoil and plant in a raised bed. Before planting, work plenty of organic compost and about half a cup of organic high-nitrogen fishmeal into the planting hole. Plant the crown buds level with the soil surface, and water after planting.

Although it will almost kill you, don't harvest stalks that grow the first year, as removal would rob the plant of energy needed to develop a strong root system.

The second year, limit your harvest to only a few big stalks and leave the rest. In the third season, you can harvest at least two-thirds of the biggest stalks by grabbing them near the base and pulling.

Every spring, fertilize the plant with fishmeal and you'll be able to feast on rhubarb pie smothered in ice cream for years to come.

Fertilize your rhododendrons and azaleas (but only if they need it).

If your rhododendron and azaleas look healthy and produce abundant flowers, don't feed them. They don't need it, and feeding them might produce an overabundance of succulent foliage that will attract aphids and other pests.

On the other hand, if your plant seems stunted, the new leaves appear to be smaller than usual or are yellowing, or if the number of flowers has been diminishing, feeding might help solve the problem. Apply an organic rhododendron food just as the plant begins to flower by scattering it around the roots according to the directions on the package. Avoid using synthetic fertilizer, as it can easily burn the roots and turn the foliage brown.

If feeding fails to solve the problem, consider moving your plant to a brighter location where it will receive some morning sun.

Transplant rhododendrons before they flower.

The best time to move your rhododendron is in the spring, any time before it begins to flower. The worst time to move it is right after it finishes flowering and begins putting on new growth.

Rhododendrons are easy to transplant, but if you want to move a big old one, invite your strongest friends over because the root balls can be incredibly heavy.

Dig a wide trench at the edge of the drip line, then work your way underneath the tightly packed roots. Keep digging and rock the plant from side to side until the root ball breaks free. Dig a gradual slope on one side and slide a big piece of plywood under the roots. Station your husky friends on each side of a tarp placed around the root ball so they can use it to pull the big plant out of the hole and up the plywood plank.

Dig a wide, shallow hole in the new location, work in plenty of organic compost and plant the rhody no deeper than it was growing previously.

Ciscoe Morris: ciscoe@ciscoe.com. "Gardening with Ciscoe" airs at 10 a.m. Saturdays on KING-TV.