The best thing about gardening (besides fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful flowers) is perennial veggies!
Unlike the usual annuals that need replanting every year, perennials are delicious crops that just keep coming back on their own.
I still remember the excitement of growing asparagus – the waiting and wondering if it is ever going to mature. Of course it did; and now it pops up every spring like magic (definitely worth the wait!).
So, if you want fresh food without replanting every season, grow some of these perennial vegetables:
1. Some Spinach Varieties Are Actually Perennial
Did you know some types of spinach can grow back year after year? Not all spinach is perennial, but varieties like Ceylon, Sissoo, and New Zealand spinach are!
I tried Sissoo spinach and it was absolutely amazing – it just kept on growing. With a little care, these varieties give you fresh spinach every year without replanting (how cool is that?).
Related: Easy Tips On Growing Spinach At Home Or In The Garden
2. Artichokes Are Grown For Their Yummy Flower Buds
Artichokes are all about those flower buds. They’re perennials, usually lasting up to five years (not as long as asparagus though).
If you are planning on growing them, make sure to plant them about 4 feet apart because they can get quite large. Pick the buds when they’re around three inches wide and enjoy!
3. Homegrown Asparagus Is So Much Better Than Store-Bought
I love asparagus, but fresh-picked tastes so much better than store-bought! I decided to grow it in my own garden and, although it took some time and energy, it’s definitely worth growing!
If you also want it in your garden, please note that they grow best in cooler places with cold winters and dry summers. Asparagus loves full sun and well-drained soil, so I would suggest using raised beds.
Asparagus plants can be male or female, but male plants grow more spears. Look for an all-male variety for the best harvest. Trust me, you’ll love the difference!
Related: These 4 Simple Tips Will Make Growing Homemade Asparagus In Pots Possible
4. Sorrel Is A Unique Leafy Green That Is A Must-Have
Sorrel is a unique leafy green that has a tangy, lemony flavor. This plant is ideal for cooler weather, and you get to harvest it in spring and fall.
Sorrel grows about a foot tall and can spread up to two feet wide, so I would recommend you give it some space. It loves full sun but doesn’t mind a bit of shade.
Related: 22 Best Cold Weather Greens For Winter Gardens
5. Add Some More Nutrients With The Infamous Watercress
Watercress is super healthy and grows differently from other veggies – it actually needs a bog. If you have a small stream, you’re good to go. If not, you can make a bog yourself.
All you have to do is use a pond liner or a deep tu, mix some soil, sand, and compost with a bit of fertilizer, and soak it with water (but don’t flood it). Sprinkle watercress seeds on top and you’ll be able to taste your own nutritious greens in no time!
Related: What Is The Healthiest Food In The World?
6. Everybody Loves Good Ol’ Rhubarb
If you love rhubarb pies, jams, or other treats, I think you should definitely try growing this plant in your own vegetable garden.
What’s also great about this plant is that it is a perennial, which means that it’ll grow back every year!
Plant their crowns in early spring when the ground thaws. Make sure it gets full sun and soil that drains well. If you’re planting more than one, leave about four feet between them because they can get pretty big!
Related: Don’t Skip These Fall Tricks To Prep Your Rhubarb For Bigger, Juicier Stalks Next Season
7. Jerusalem Artichokes Are Not Your Regular Artichokes
I know you might think that these are just another artichoke variety, but they are not like the regular ones – these types are tubers (similar to potatoes), unlike the ones you eat in stores (which are flowers).
These plants love well-drained, alkaline soil and are super productive. One plant can give you over 20 tubers (pretty cool, right?). Since they grow big, plant each tuber about six inches apart. They’re ready to harvest after the first frost.
Related: A List Of 25 Delicious Vegetables Grown Under The Ground
8. Horseradish Is A Tough Vegetable That Grows Just About Anywhere
Horseradish is a no-fuss vegetable that only needs full sun and some fertile soil, though it can handle almost any conditions. Plant a root piece in spring and it’ll be ready to harvest after the first frost in fall.
In the fall, you should remove the foliage to induce more root growth (this only means bigger harvests next year). It’s a simple, reliable veggie that’s just perfect for any garden!
Related: 13 Veggies & Herbs That Grow And Thrive In Snow
9. Chives Are Delicious Plants That Are Super Easy To Grow
Chives are one of those plants that are super easy to grow (no need to be picky here). They just need water and sunshine and they’ll be thriving like crazy!
To start, sprinkle some chive seeds where you want them, cover with a bit of soil, and then water them. Chives love to spread, so don’t forget to remove flowers before they go to seed (otherwise, they might take over your garden).
Related: 10 Fruits And Vegetables You Can Grow Indoors Year Round