Perennial vegetables are a gardener’s dream. These plants come back year after year, providing a reliable and continuous harvest with minimal replanting effort. By incorporating perennial vegetables into your garden, you can enjoy a sustainable and productive landscape. Here are ten perennial vegetables that you can plant once and enjoy forever, along with tips on how to care for them.

1. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

Description:

• Asparagus is a hardy perennial that can produce for up to 20 years once established.
• It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.

Planting Tips:

• Plant asparagus crowns in trenches about 12 inches deep and 18 inches apart.
• Cover with soil and mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

2. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Description:

• Rhubarb is known for its tart stalks, which are often used in desserts and sauces.
• It prefers cooler climates and can produce for decades.

Planting Tips:

• Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring, spacing them about 4 feet apart.
• Ensure good drainage and add compost to enrich the soil.

3. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)

Description:

• Also known as sunchokes, these tubers are high in inulin and have a nutty flavor.
• They grow well in a variety of soils and full sun.

Planting Tips:

• Plant tubers about 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in spring or fall.
• They can spread aggressively, so consider a dedicated area or containers.

4. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Description:

• Globe artichokes are thistle-like plants that produce edible flower buds.
• They prefer mild climates and full sun.

Planting Tips:

• Plant seeds or divisions in well-drained soil, spaced about 3-4 feet apart.
• Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from cold.

5. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)

Description:

• Sorrel is a leafy green with a tangy, lemony flavor, great for salads and soups.
• It grows best in cool weather and partial shade.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds or transplant seedlings in spring, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
• Keep the soil moist and well-drained.

6. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)

Description:

• Horseradish is grown for its spicy roots, used in condiments and sauces.
• It’s very hardy and can grow in most climates.

Planting Tips:

• Plant root cuttings about 2 inches deep and 18 inches apart in spring or fall.
• Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

7. Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus)

Description:

• This old-fashioned vegetable produces spinach-like leaves and asparagus-like shoots.
• It prefers rich, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds in early spring or late summer, spacing plants about 12 inches apart.
• Keep the soil consistently moist.

8. Walking Onion (Allium x proliferum)

Description:

• Also known as Egyptian onions, these plants produce small bulbs at the top of their stalks.
• They can grow in a variety of soils and are very hardy.

Planting Tips:

• Plant bulbils or sets in fall or early spring, spacing them about 6-12 inches apart.
• Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

9. Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea var. ramosa)

Description:

• This type of kale can live for several years, providing a continuous harvest of leaves.
• It grows best in cool climates and full sun to partial shade.

Planting Tips:

• Plant seeds or cuttings in well-drained soil, spacing plants about 18-24 inches apart.
• Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

10. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Description:

• Lovage is a tall herb with a celery-like flavor, used in soups, stews, and salads.
• It prefers rich, moist soil and full sun to partial shade.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds or transplant seedlings in spring, spacing plants about 18-24 inches apart.
• Keep the soil consistently moist and well-drained.

11. Tree Collards (Brassica oleracea)

Description: A hardy, kale-like green that can grow up to 10 feet tall.

Growing Tips:

• Location: Full sun.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
• Planting: Plant cuttings in spring or fall.
• Care: Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest leaves as needed.

15. Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus)

Description: A spinach-like green with edible leaves and flower buds.

Growing Tips:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
• Planting: Sow seeds in spring or fall.
• Care: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Additional Tip: Companion Planting

Benefit of Companion Planting:

• Companion planting involves growing different plants together to benefit each other. For example, planting perennial vegetables alongside annuals can improve soil health, reduce pests, and increase yields.

Example:

• Plant asparagus with tomatoes. Tomatoes repel asparagus beetles, while asparagus can deter nematodes harmful to tomatoes.

Conclusion

Perennial vegetables are a valuable addition to any garden, providing year after year of bountiful harvests with minimal maintenance. By incorporating these ten perennial vegetables into your garden, you can enjoy a sustainable and productive growing space. Remember to practice good planting techniques, provide proper care, and consider companion planting to maximize your garden’s potential. Happy gardening!