Grow Once, Harvest for Years: Top Perennial Vegetables

Welcome to every gardener’s dream: planting once and reaping the rewards for years! Perennial vegetables are a fantastic addition to any garden. They not only lessen the workload but also ensure a repeat harvest year after year. This post will dive deeply into the world of perennials, exploring some of the top varieties you can grow and enjoy over many seasons.

Why Choose Perennial Vegetables?

Before we explore the different types of perennial vegetables, let’s discuss why they are an excellent choice for your garden:

• Sustainability: Perennial plants help to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health through less frequent soil disturbance compared to annual planting.

Top Perennial Vegetables to Grow

Here are some top perennial vegetables that can enrich your garden with minimal effort year after year:

1. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

As one of the most beloved perennial vegetables, asparagus can produce for over 20 years once established. It prefers sandy, well-draining soil and full sun. Plant asparagus crowns in the early spring and enjoy the shoots in their third growing season.

2. Artichokes (Cynara scolymus)

Globe artichokes are not only delicious but are also an attractive addition to your garden with their large, silvery-green leaves and striking flower heads. Artichokes thrive in full sun and well-draining soil and are more suited to warmer climates.

3. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

A staple in many gardens, rhubarb’s tart, red stalks are perfect for pies and jams. This cold-hardy perennial prefers cooler climates and can produce for up to 10 years. Plant in well-draining, fertile soil and harvest the stalks sparingly in the first two years to establish the plants.

4. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

If you’re a fan of spices, growing horseradish might be perfect for you. This hardy perennial is tolerant of various soil conditions and can be harvested a year after planting. Just be mindful of its invasive nature and consider restricting the roots to prevent it from overtaking your garden.

5. Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus)

Also known as sunchokes, these root vegetables are famous for their nutty flavor and versatility in the kitchen. They tolerate almost any soil condition and climate but require some space as they can grow quite tall.

6. Kale (Brassica oleracea)

While typically grown as an annual, kale can perform as a biennial in many climates, providing leaves for harvesting through winter and early spring. Choose a sunny spot and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

7. Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum)

Unlike regular onions, Welsh onions are perennial and produce tasty, green shoots and small onion bulbs that can be used similarly to scallions. They’re hardy and can prolifically produce for several years once established.

8. Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)

Sea kale is prized for its delicious, asparagus-like shoots. It requires a sunny location and well-draining soil. While it’s a rarer find in gardens, it’s a rewarding plant that offers both edible leaves and shoots.

9. Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus)

Also known as poor man's asparagus, this perennial green is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and is an excellent source of greens and shoots, which can be used much like spinach.

10. Egyptian Walking Onions (Allium x proliferum)

These unique onions self-propagate by forming bulbils at the top of the stalks, which then plant themselves to grow new plants. They are extremely hardy and provide a continuous crop of onions with minimal fuss.

Getting Started with Perennials

Starting with perennial vegetables is straightforward but requires some planning. Consider the climate of your area, the soil type, and sunlight availability in your garden. It’s often recommended to start with young plants from a reliable nursery to ensure healthy, robust starters that will thrive in your garden.

Conclusion

Perennial vegetables are a gift to the garden that keeps on giving. Not only do they offer sustainability and ease of care, but they also promise returns in the form of delicious, fresh produce year after year. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, incorporating perennial vegetables into your garden can significantly enhance your gardening experience and your kitchen's produce collection.

Ready to transform your garden into a perennial paradise? Visit our online store today to pick up your perennial vegetable plants and start enjoying their benefits for years to come!