What Are The Best Perennial Vegetables?

“I’m looking to make my backyard farm more sustainable and productive over time. I have a small vegetable garden already, but I’m interested in adding some perennial vegetables to make things a bit easier and to have produce that will keep coming back year after year. Could you recommend some of the best perennial vegetables suitable for a backyard farm, and explain why they are so beneficial? Also, any tips on growing them would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Michael, Toronto, Canada.”

What Are The Best Perennial Vegetables?

Hey Michael, thanks for reaching out with such a fantastic question! Perennial vegetables are a wonderful addition to any backyard farm. They offer not only a sustainable source of fresh produce but also ease the burden of having to replant every growing season. Let’s explore some of the best perennial vegetables you can incorporate into your backyard farm and why they’re so valuable.

Why Choose Perennial Vegetables?

Perennial vegetables come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting. They often require less maintenance compared to annuals and can offer unique flavors and nutrients to your diet. Here are some significant benefits:

• Low Maintenance: Once established, they usually need less water and care compared to annual vegetables.
• Soil Health: Their deep root systems improve soil structure and sequester carbon, enhancing soil fertility over time.
• Extended Harvest: Many perennials have longer harvesting periods, sometimes yielding produce in off-seasons when annuals are unavailable.
• Biodiversity: Adding perennials increases the biodiversity of your garden, attracting beneficial insects and improving the ecosystem.

Top Perennial Vegetables to Grow

Here’s a list of some of the best perennial vegetables you can cultivate in your backyard farm, Michael, along with tips on how to grow them:

1. Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular perennial vegetable known for its tender spears. It’s one of the earliest vegetables to be harvested in spring, bringing a welcome fresh taste after winter.

• Planting: Asparagus is best planted in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It takes about 2-3 years to establish but can produce for up to 20 years.
• Care: Mulch the bed to keep weeds down and apply compost or organic fertilizer each spring.
• Harvest: Only start harvesting lightly from the third year onwards; by the fourth year, you can harvest for about 8 weeks each spring.

2. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a hardy perennial with large, tart-tasting stalks that are often used in desserts. It provides a substantial early harvest and adds a unique flavor to various dishes.

• Planting: Rhubarb prefers rich, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Plant crowns in early spring or fall.
• Care: Fertilize annually with compost or manure and remove flower stalks to encourage better growth of the edible stems.
• Harvest: Harvest the stalks by twisting and pulling them from the base, avoiding the toxic leaves.

3. Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke)

Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are tuberous roots with a nutty flavor. They are incredibly hardy and can grow in almost any soil.

• Planting: Plant tubers in early spring in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be fairly invasive, so consider planting in a contained area.
• Care: Water consistently during the growing season and mulch to control weeds.
• Harvest: Harvest after the first frost, which improves their flavor. Dig carefully to avoid damaging the tubers.

4. Sorrel

Sorrel is a leafy green with a tangy, lemon-like flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to salads, soups, and sauces.

• Planting: Sorrel prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. It can be started from seeds or transplants.
• Care: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and keep the soil consistently moist.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting the leaves when they’re young and tender, usually in about 8 weeks after planting.

5. Good King Henry

Good King Henry is a leafy green often referred to as “poor man’s asparagus.” It’s a versatile perennial that offers both edible leaves and shoots.

• Planting: It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Care: Enrich the soil with compost and keep it consistently moist. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Harvest: Young shoots can be cooked like asparagus, and leaves can be used like spinach. Harvest young shoots in spring and leaves throughout the growing season.

6. Walking Onions

Walking onions, also known as Egyptian onions, are unique because they produce small bulbs at the top of the stems, which eventually bend and plant themselves, “walking” around the garden.

• Planting: Plant bulbs in the fall or early spring in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Care: They are very hardy and require minimal care once established. Water during dry periods and mulch to control weeds.
• Harvest: Harvest the greens in spring and the small bulbs in fall or leave them to multiply.

7. Bunching Onions (Scallions)

Bunching onions are perennial onions that form clusters of small bulbs. They have a mild flavor and can be used like regular onions.

• Planting: Plant in early spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
• Care: They require minimal care once established, just occasional watering and weeding.
• Harvest: Harvest the stems and green tops whenever needed. The plants will continuously produce new shoots.

8. Perpetual Spinach

Perpetual spinach is not true spinach but a type of chard with a flavor very similar to spinach. It produces leaves throughout the season and doesn’t bolt as quickly as regular spinach.

• Planting: Sow seeds in early spring or late summer in a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil.
• Care: Water regularly and fertilize with compost to encourage leafy growth.
• Harvest: Harvest the outer leaves regularly to keep the plant producing new growth.

Creating a Perennial Vegetable Garden

When planning your perennial vegetable garden, Michael, here are a few general tips that can help make the process smoother:

• Soil Preparation: Start by improving your soil with plenty of organic matter. Good soil health is crucial for perennials, as they will stay in the same spot for many years.
• Site Selection: Ensure your chosen spot gets ample sunlight and has good drainage. Remember, some perennials can thrive even in partial shade.
• Companion Planting: Consider planting perennials that complement each other. For instance, asparagus and strawberries make good companions.
• Mulching: Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health over time.
• Patience: Perennial vegetables can take a bit longer to establish than annuals, but the payoff is well worth the wait.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Like any gardening endeavor, growing perennial vegetables can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some potential problems and how to address them:

• Pests: Attract beneficial insects and use organic pest control methods. For instance, planting dill nearby can attract ladybugs, which eat aphids.
• Diseases: Rotate crops as much as possible and choose disease-resistant varieties. Proper spacing and pruning for air circulation also help prevent fungal issues.
• Weeds: Regular weeding and mulching are your best defense against weeds. Consider using landscape fabric for extra protection.
• Weather Extremes: Provide shade or use row covers to protect plants during heatwaves. In colder climates, mulch heavily in winter to protect root systems.

Final Thoughts…

Michael, adding perennial vegetables to your backyard farm in Toronto offers a wonderful way to create a sustainable and efficient garden. Remember, while these plants might take a bit longer to establish, they will reward you with years of bountiful harvests and reduced maintenance. Keep improving your soil, stay patient, and enjoy the rich variety of perennial vegetables your garden will produce. Thanks for the great question, and happy gardening!