It weakens the plant, as it should be allowed to make a good root sysem before having it's stems pulled off! It really is not a good idea to pull them in the first year even though it is tempting. Go to the local farm shop for now.

Volunteer.....thanks for your speedy reply which makes sense when I think about it..a dumpty am I to be sure!.... then this means that the stems rot back to help fertilise the second year growth, yes?
From one very, very amateur gardener who learns fast, thanks......