Lucy Hutchings at She Grows Veg reveals her favourite longer-lasting veg
In the world of gardening, perennial vegetables offer a unique opportunity to cultivate a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that yields delicious harvests year after year. Unlike annual vegetables that require replanting each season, perennials return reliably, making them a valuable addition all-round. Here are some varieties to get excited about for next year.
Globe artichokes are prized for their ornamental stature, tender hearts and savoury flavour. They require ample space for artichoke plants to spread, as they can reach considerable size. Harvest artichokes when the buds are still tight and compact.
New Zealand spinach
Believe it or not there is a spinach variety that’s perennial, it’s called New Zealand perennial spinach and is a brilliant, drought and shade tolerant herbaceous plant that you pick the leaves from and eat just like regular spinach though they must be cooked. Named Warrigal greens in its native Australia it’s super easy to grow and can survive the hot summers without bolting. Mulch thickly once it has died back in winter and it should survive all but the harshest of cold snap.
Perennial onions
There are a couple of perennial onions that we just love – the first is Nodding Onion and the second is Red Bunching Onion. Treat like spring onions and harvest these as and when they are ready but leave the roots and some of the plant in place so that they grow again and provide more oniony loveliness for the table.
Cottagers kale
This super hardy kale variety sits somewhere between a kale and a brussel sprout. As long as all flower sprouts are removed (these can be enjoyed much like sprouting broccoli) this plant will go on producing delicious nutrient dense leaves for several years.
Plantain
A less known leafy green but one that is set to potentially become one of our future food due to its tolerance of heat, drought, sun and shade. There are some highly ornamental varieties available, we love ‘Variegata‘ and the fabulously named ‘Purple Perversion.’
Dahlia
Rarely thought of as an edible, this much loved late summer flower was originally brought over to Europe as a food crop where it has been a traditional staple starchy root in its native Mexico. Easy to grow from seed and giving both flower and tuber in its first year. Try ‘Bishops Children‘ for the prettiest root crop you will ever grow.
Goji Berry
For a perennial fruit crop that is easy to grow from seed and packs a real superfood punch consider trying Goji berries. Plants will start to give berries towards the end of the first year or possibly the second depending on when you get them into the ground. Plants grow very fast and can spread so select your location with care, an excellent choice for edible hedging plants in the garden.
Perennial vegetables offer a sustainable and rewarding way to cultivate a diverse and resilient garden in the UK. So, roll up your sleeves, plant some perennial vegetables, and reap the rewards of a bountiful harvest for years to come.
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