Artichokes
Although seldom thought of as a common garden vegetable, this food
is actually quite easy to grow.
-Planting: Being a perennial vegetable, Globe artichoke needs to be
planted in a garden spot where it won't be disturbed by yearly
cultivation. Before planting the seedlings, make sure that you spade the
ground deeply, and supply it with good compost or manure. It is important
that artichokes are planted where they get at least 6 hours or more of
sun, as they will not develop properly without it. Artichokes also need
to stay wet constantly, and with a good supply of moisture, can yield 12
or more buds per plant. You can either buy and transplant one from a
nursery, or start one from a seed indoors. Set the seedlings into the
ground when there is no danger of frost, allowing at least four feet
between rows and plants.
-Growing: Once the plants become well established, numerous suckers will
appear will appear at the base of the stems. The weaker shoots should be
removed, with only five or six remaining for later transplanting. In the
Fall, the stems must be cut one foot from the ground, and the crowns of
the plants covered with a heavy and porous mulch.
-Harvesting: As soon as flower buds are visible, the plants should be
checked daily, and the buds picked just before the petals begin to open.
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