How to Prepare Jerusalem Artichokes for Planting

Gardeners looking for an unusual vegetable to try might consider Jerusalem artichokes. Jerusalem artichokes are tuber vegetables similar to potatoes but are part of the sunflower family. Plant these interesting tubers in the garden by simply purchasing tubers from the grocery store, if desired. Jerusalem artichokes grow easily in almost any soil. When planted early in the spring they will be ready for harvest after autumnal frosts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jerusalem artichoke tubers
• Utility knife
• Kitchen scale
• Compost
• Garden spade
• Rake
• Trowel
• Water
• All-purpose fertilizer

1. Work the garden soil in the spring when the ground has warmed. Use the spade to work the soil down to a depth of at least 6 inches. Add 2 inches of compost to the top of the soil and work this into the soil completely. Rake the surface of the garden soil to make it smooth.

2. Cut the tubers apart into planting pieces with the utility knife. Weigh the tubers and make each planting piece approximately 2 oz. in weight. Make sure that each piece has at least two buds. Plant the tubers immediately after preparing them and do not allow them to dry out before you plant.

3. Dig holes for the tubers that are between 15 and 24 inches apart. Make the rows at least 3 feet apart. Place each tuber into a prepared hole so that the buds are facing up and cover the tubers with between 3 and 5 inches of soil.

4. Water the newly planted Jerusalem artichokes generously after planting.

5. Pull weeds around the plants as they appear. Water the plants to avoid them drying out. Remove flower buds as they grow over the summer. Fertilize the plants once per month, consulting the fertilizer package for recommendations for the size of your growing area.

References

• Jerusalem Artichokes