Surprise in the Spring Vegetable Garden

No matter how much enjoyment gardeners get from tending their gardens, they will not hesitate to tell anyone who will listen that is a difficult task to bring produce from a tiny seed to the wonderfully healthy dishes found on the dinner table. Harvest begins long before the first seed is ever planted. Soil must be worked into a healthy base for seeds to grow strong and thrive so that they may set and support fruit. Then, there are many weeks of keeping pests and disease at bay. Weather is always on the mind of the gardener and the list goes on.

Imagine what a pleasant surprise it would be to pass through a garden which has yet to be planted and find vegetable seedlings popping through the soil. For gardeners who have learned the secret of planting several perennial vegetables, this is not as much a surprise as it is a sense of accomplishment and relief.

There are perennial vegetables which can be grown as far north as zone 1 where the snow cover of winter actually protects them by insulating the dormant plants and those which grow as far south as zone 11 where they thrive in the heat and humidity.

Success with Perennial Vegetables

Preparation is extremely important when it comes to growing perennial vegetables. Keeping in mind that these vegetables will be in the ground for many years; zone, placement, soil and water should be considered before planting.

• Zone

What is to be grown? Choose plants which will survive in the zone where they are to be planted. It is a shame to work very hard only to find out 3 months later that the chosen vegetables will not survive the winter.

• Placement

Some plants will grow very large casting shade on those nearby while others will need room to spread when putting on new growth. Again, these plants will be in the ground for many years. Make certain to give them the room they need to thrive. It is a good idea to place the perennial garden in a separate area than the annual vegetable garden.

• Soil

This is not the time for short-cuts; healthy soil produces healthy food. The first step is to till the area well. The soil should be turned to a depth between 18 to 20 inches. Remove all root material from existing weeds, most importantly, the perennial weeds. Next, perform a soil test to identify any deficiencies. Once the test is done, choosing which nutrients to add will be much easier. Add a well balanced compost mix to the garden and turn in with a tiller or hoe. Test soil again.

• Water

Decide how the bed will be watered. Installing drip irrigation should be done before planting so as not to disturb the roots after they have become established. Soaker hoses are a good choice if drip irrigation is not feasible. Using sprinklers to water from above is not the best option. This method tends to waste water and the water left behind on plant foliage invites fungal diseases.

Planting the Vegetables

Plant seeds, crowns, eyes or roots of each vegetable according to its specific planting date usually after the last frost date in spring. This will vary so make certain to check the needs of each one before planting.

Mulch

Mulch the beds during growing season to conserve water and deter weeds. Add additional mulch for winter dormant season.

Perennial vegetables can be grown from the coldest to the warmest zones. It is a good idea to start out with only those which grow in the gardeners’ zone. With that said, trying out new plants or ‘pushing the zone’ may surprise the gardener by providing unexpected produce for the family dinner table.

For more about perennial vegetables see the article, ‚”Four Perennial Vegetables: A Closer Look.”