Learn how to prepare your perennial vegetables for winter with essential fall care tips!
Preparing Artichokes for Winter
Artichokes are hardy to USDA zone 6 but need special care in areas with frost. Follow these steps:
- Cut back last year’s stems to about 6 inches.
- Tie the remaining plant in a bunch.
- Apply a thick layer of compost around the plant, followed by 8 inches of straw or leaves as mulch.
- In spring, remove the mulch, untie the plant, and apply a balanced fertilizer to prepare for the growing season.
Caring for Asparagus
Asparagus thrives in USDA zone 4 and requires simple fall maintenance:
- Cut ferns down to 2-inch stubs after they turn brown from frost.
- Add 2-3 inches of compost to enrich the soil.
- Apply 4-6 inches of mulch like rice straw for protection. Remove mulch gradually in spring to stagger your harvest.
Harvesting and Storing Horseradish
Horseradish is best harvested after the first frosts:
- Carefully dig out the roots, ensuring no remnants remain in the ground to prevent spreading.
- Trim the green tops to 1 inch and wash the roots.
- Store in a plastic bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
Consider container gardening to control the plant’s spread.
Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes, part of the sunflower family, are harvested after the first frosts:
- Dig up the tubers and use them like potatoes or in salads.
- Harvest all tubers before spring to prevent invasiveness.
Fall Rhubarb Maintenance
Rhubarb is hardy to USDA zone 3 and requires minimal care:
- Apply a generous layer of compost around the plants.
Protect your perennial vegetables during winter, and they’ll reward you with a productive growing season next year. Grow Organic for Life!
