Gardening Questions Jerusalem Artichoke

Funnily enough, my wife bought some at the weekend too - for our allotment - it'll be the first time we have ever grown them. They are very prone to spreading, apparently, so we are going to sink an old black bin with drainage hole about half way into the ground and plant them in that to restrict them - she says she's going to plant them about 6 inches deep - she has 5 so that'll give you an idea of the spacing. It'll be interesting to compare how you both get on.

I managed to do some brief online research today, Buzzbee. The planting depth of 6" would seem to be correct. I have decided to try planting mine in a row, 18" apart", in a sunny location, to grow as a green screen to hide either a bare section of wall or fence. As they are grown and cooked like potatoes, I don't see why your wife should not have success with the bin planting. it will be great to see how this goes. Many thanx for letting me know. It will be interesting to see what we get from this fun project.

Easy to grow but unless you get every artichoke out at harvest time you will have them come back every year, they do not spread around so badly and I would not class them as very invasive.Lovely to eat but very windy they are also known as fartichokes!!!!

Wyeboy! "Fartichokes" - love it! Have read about this side-effect, but will be happy enough if my 10p "windfall" will grow into a 9ft "windbreak", whether I get them coming back on me or not! Many thanx for the info, and the laugh!