Edible Gardening

Perennial Plants: A Guide to Growing Edibles That Keep on Giving

What Are Perennials?

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, unlike annuals, which must be replanted each year, and biennials, which live for only two years. Once established, perennials can provide years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance.

Benefits of Growing Perennials

Save time and money: Perennials eliminate the need for annual seed purchases and planting.
Reduced maintenance: Established perennials are more drought-tolerant and less susceptible to pests and diseases.
Increased biodiversity: Perennials attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, creating a healthier ecosystem in your garden.

Drawbacks of Growing Perennials

Delayed gratification: Many perennials take several years to reach maturity and produce a significant harvest.
Potential for invasiveness: Some perennials can spread aggressively, becoming difficult to control.
Maintenance: Perennials still require regular fertilizing and pest control, although less frequently than annuals.

Perennial Herbs

Perennial herbs offer a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses. Some popular perennial herbs include:

Basil (African Blue or East Indian for perennial varieties)
Chives
Fennel
Garlic
Ginger
Horseradish
Lavender
Lemon balm
Mint
Onions (potato onions, shallots, Egyptian onions, Japanese bunching onions, Welsh onions, Chinese leeks)
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme

Perennial Vegetables

Perennial vegetables provide a steady supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. Some popular perennial vegetables include:

Artichoke (Jerusalem or Sunchokes)
Asparagus
Broccoli (Nine Star or Purple Cape varieties)
Radicchio
Rhubarb
Spinach (Ceylon, Sissoo, or New Zealand varieties)
Sweet potato
Tree cabbages/tree collards
Watercress
Wasabi
Yams

Perennial Fruits

Perennial fruits offer a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits. Some popular perennial fruits include:

Apples
Apricots
Avocado
Blackberries
Cherries
Currants
Dates
Fig
Goji berries
Huckleberries
Grapes
Kiwi
Lemons (must be brought indoors in colder climates)
Limes
Nectarines
Olives
Oranges (must be brought indoors in colder climates)
Peaches
Pears
Persimmon
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries (replant every three years to maintain vigor)

Perennial Nuts

Perennial nuts are a valuable source of healthy fats and protein. Some popular perennial nuts include:

Almond
Chestnut
Hazelnut
Macadamia
Pecan
Pistachio
Walnut

Tips for Growing Perennials

Choose the right plants for your climate: Research the USDA hardiness zones for your area and select perennials that are known to thrive in your climate.
Prepare the soil: Perennials prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
Plant at the right time: The best time to plant perennials is in the spring or fall, when the soil is cool and moist.
Water regularly: Perennials need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting.
Fertilize regularly: Perennials benefit from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Control pests and diseases: Monitor your perennials for pests and diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
Divide and replant: Some perennials may need to be divided and replanted every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Growing Perennials in Your Garden

Incorporating perennials into your garden is a smart way to save time and money while enjoying a continuous supply of fresh produce. To get started, consider the following tips:

Plan your garden: Decide where you want to plant your perennials and choose plants that suit your climate and space constraints.
Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Plant your perennials: Follow the planting instructions for each plant, spacing them according to their mature size.
Water and fertilize regularly: Water your perennials regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Control pests and diseases: Monitor your perennials for pests and diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
Enjoy your harvest: With proper care, your perennial plants will provide years of enjoyment and bountiful harvests.

How to Grow Arugula: A Comprehensive Guide

Planting

Arugula is an annual leafy vegetable that can be grown in the garden or in containers. It prefers full sun or part shade and well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and an inch apart in rows that are about a foot apart. Arugula can be planted in the early spring or late summer, and it will be ready to harvest in about 40 days.

Care

Arugula requires regular watering, especially during hot weather. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Arugula also benefits from fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Growing in Pots

Arugula can be easily grown in containers, which makes it a great option for those with limited space. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

Harvesting

Arugula is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 3 inches long. The leaves can be harvested by cutting or tearing them off at the base of the plant. Arugula can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.

Pests and Diseases

Arugula is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including slugs, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids, and powdery mildew. These pests and diseases can be controlled with organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Types of Arugula

There are many different types of arugula, each with its own unique flavor and appearance. Some of the most popular varieties include:

‘Astro II’: A mild-flavored variety that matures in as little as seven weeks.
‘Apollo’: A heat-tolerant variety with oval leaves.
‘Olive Leaf’: A wild variety with flat, narrow leaves and a spicy flavor.
‘Red Dragon’: A variety with striking purple-veined leaves and a mild flavor.
‘Sylvetta’: A slow-to-bolt variety with narrow, spicy leaves.

Growing Arugula from Seed

Arugula can be easily grown from seed. The seeds can be direct-seeded in the garden or started indoors in pots. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and kept moist. Arugula seeds will germinate in about a week.

Overwintering

Arugula is an annual plant, so it will not survive the winter outdoors in cold climates. However, it can be grown indoors over the winter if it is provided with enough light.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Arugula leaves are turning yellow.

Solution: Arugula leaves may turn yellow if the plant is not getting enough nitrogen. Fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Problem: Arugula leaves are wilting.

Solution: Arugula leaves may wilt if the plant is not getting enough water. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot weather.

Problem: Arugula leaves are infested with pests.

Solution: Arugula leaves may be infested with pests such as slugs, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids, or powdery mildew. Treat the plant with an organic insecticide or fungicide.

Perennial Plants: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Edibles That Keep on Giving