Even though we have a teeny tiny garden here at the Lobster House, I’ll be going all out this year with not only planting perennial vegetables, but perennial flowers too.
Remember those old Ronco infomercials? “Set it and forget it” was the theme I think…that’s kind of the way I feel about perennials, a little work up front and then you just forget about them.
Simplicity, that’s what I’m about these days. So when it comes to my garden, I want a beautiful landscape, but one I’m not going to have to replant and invest too much in year after year.
So incorporating perennial vegetables into the garden seems like a no brainer to me.
The key of course will be making sure I take care of the dirt. After I get the perennial garden planted, if I can remember to compost and mulch every spring, those perennials will literally do all of the rest of the work for me.
Here’s a quick list of the perennial vegetables I’m thinking about planting in my yard this spring:
Globe artichokes
Yep, if you treat them right in the winter by cutting them back in the fall and then mulching them heavily, they will produce year after year.
Asparagus
Asparagus is one of those plant it and then wait. It takes a full 3 years to get a crop from them, after that though, they are rather prolific and you’ll have asparagus every spring. {Remember to let them go to flower at the end of the year so that they have a chance to come back.}
Rhubarb
Rhubarb, once established will produce for you for a lifetime. It’s probably my all time favorite perennial and one everyone seems to love seeing in the garden. Plus, like zucchini, there’s always extra so it’s fun to give away to friends and neighbors.
It just needs a sunny locale to be happy.
Sorrel
This is a herb, actually, but a lot of times you will get it in upscale restaurants in a salad. It kind of has a lemony flavor.
Chives
Chives, like rhubarb are pretty much foolproof. They will survive practically any environment and they just keep coming back year after year. I love that once planted, I can just pop outside and spin them as I need them.
Kale
Gross Super healthy kale will literally keep producing all winter long and it’s pretty to look at. It doesn’t mind the cold, and with regular pickings, you can get quite a few seasons out of it.
Garlic
Most people dig garlic up year to year, but you can leave some in the ground and let them die back just as you would bulbs. They will divide their own bulbs with time.
Just like all perennials, vegetable perennials can vary by region, so make sure to double check that your region can support whatever you choose. Whichever perennial you choose, take a minute to celebrate that at least there are still some super reliable and simple food sources left in life.
Gardening season… It’s finally here! WAHOOOOOOO! 🙂
~Mavis
Leave a Reply