Planting Jerusalem Artichokes in SC and Short Q and A Session

We have already rung in the New Year- 2020. The 1920’s came in with a bang, but latter part of this decade left the average American crippled. The beginning of the 20’s, people were enjoying innovations such as cars, washing machines and widespread availability of electricity. The end of the decade had people only wanting for the necessities- one which was food. 

This is where permaculture gardening comes in. Permaculture means permanent gardening. In other words, you set it out and forget it, for the most part. Fruiting trees, pecan trees, raspberry plants, mint plants and pomegranate bushes are some such plants. You don’t have to replant them every year- which makes them a permanent fixture in your garden.

One plant which has sort of been forgotten is the Jerusalem Artichoke. Once you plant this root, it is not easy to get rid of. It is permanent.

Jerusalem Artichokes are not a true artichoke at all, but more a member of the sunflower family. The flowers grow up to twelve-foot-tall, and that is where they get there other, more common name from- the sun choke because they seem to choke out the sun. 

This tall flower gives you a highly nutritious root, also called a tuber. The flower will grow all summer and die back in the winter. You harvest the roots as you need them. You could leave them in the ground all winter if you wanted, however they will start growing new plants as soon as the weather warms again. 

A survivalist is a person who actively prepares for disruptions in our food, water and money supply. There is some balance between the dooms day prepper and going free willy, hoping everything will always be fine. Where do planting Jerusalem artichokes fall?  Come out and learn more about them and then you decide.  Roland with Organically Roland will be leading the class on sun chokes. Afterwards, we will  have a very informal question and answer question with Sal and Roland. Come out and lets get growining. Everyone will leave with directions and a few bulbs.