Artichokes: A Rewarding Addition to Your Garden
Artichokes may not be the most common vegetables in gardens, but they can be very rewarding to grow if you have the space. Before adding artichokes to your garden, it’s important to know which plants will thrive alongside them and which ones to avoid.
Companion Planting for Artichokes
Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together that benefit each other in some way. Artichokes don’t repel any pests, but they’re also not bothered by any. This means they don’t provide much benefit to their neighbors, but they also don’t need good neighbors. Artichokes are heavy feeders, though, so they prefer soil that is rich in nutrients and slightly alkaline.
The best companion plants for artichokes have similar soil requirements. Peas are a particularly good choice because they release nitrogen into the soil, which artichokes can then absorb. Other good companion plants for artichokes include sunflowers, tarragon, and members of the cabbage family.
Bad Companions for Artichokes
The most important thing to know about artichokes is that they’re large plants. They can grow as tall and wide as 4 feet (1 meter). They also have large leaves that can easily shade out or crowd out smaller plants.
Due to their size, artichoke companion planting isn’t recommended in close quarters. Avoid planting anything within a few feet (1 meter) of your artichoke plants. It’s best to leave even more distance on the north side, where the shade from their leaves will be the worst. If you have limited space, it’s better not to plant anything near your artichoke plants.
Planting Artichokes in Limited Space
If you don’t have a lot of space in your garden, there are still ways to grow artichokes. One option is to grow them in containers. Another option is to espalier them, which is a technique where the plants are trained to grow flat against a wall or fence.
The Benefits of Planting Artichokes
Artichokes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. In addition to their nutritional value, artichokes are also beautiful plants. The artichoke “vegetable” that we eat is actually a flower bud. If you don’t harvest the bud and allow it to bloom, it becomes a large, clover-like flower that attracts pollinators to your garden.
How to Grow Artichokes
Artichokes are relatively easy to grow. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They should be planted in the spring, after the last frost. Artichokes need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather.
Artichokes are typically ready to harvest in the fall. To harvest an artichoke, simply cut the stem close to the base of the plant. Artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Troubleshooting Artichokes
Artichokes are generally low-maintenance plants, but they can sometimes be affected by pests or diseases. Aphids, thrips, and spider mites are common pests of artichokes. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Artichokes can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and botrytis. These diseases can be controlled with fungicides.
Conclusion
Artichokes are a rewarding addition to any garden. They’re easy to grow, they’re nutritious, and they’re beautiful. If you have the space, artichokes are a great choice for your garden.
