Question
Dear Elyse,
I live in Washington, DC, where the summer is quite hot and humid.  I always thought I couldn't grow rhubarb in this area but when I saw it in a local nursery I thought I'd give it a try.  It has done well so far, but just yesterday I noticed that the leaves have curled tightly inward, each leaf forming a large helmet shape.  I don't see any sign of bugs and I'm wondering what the problem might be.  Any ideas?

Answer
Brenda:
I don't know much about rhubarb, but some plants will curl their leaves in the heat of the day, as a way of conserving moisture. Do they uncurl in the evening, or early morning? Since it is newly planted, make sure you are watering it enough. Rhubarb does like moist soil, I know that. It's not bothered by many pests either, as far as I know.

Elyse