The Ultimate Guide to Sunchoke Companion Plants: How to Grow and Harvest Sunchokes

Oleh Anonymous February 25, 2021 Post a Comment

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Sunchoke Companion Plants:

If you're looking for a unique and nutritious vegetable to add to your garden, consider planting sunchokes. Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, these knobby, potato-like tubers are easy to grow and have a delicious nutty flavor.

But like any plant, sunchokes benefit from the presence of other plants in the garden. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best sunchoke companion plants, as well as tips for growing and harvesting sunchokes.

Why You Should Plant Sunchoke Companion Plants

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants in close proximity to each other for mutual benefits. By planting sunchoke companion plants, you can help your sunchokes grow stronger and healthier while also improving the overall health of your garden.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider planting sunchoke companion plants:

Increased yield: Some sunchoke companion plants can help improve soil quality and increase nutrient uptake, leading to higher yields.
Natural pest control: Certain companion plants can help repel pests that might otherwise damage your sunchokes.
Biodiversity: Planting a variety of different plants in your garden can help support a diverse ecosystem of beneficial insects and microorganisms.

Now that you know why companion planting is so important, let's take a closer look at some of the best sunchoke companion plants.

The Best Sunchoke Companion Plants

1. Comfrey

Comfrey is an excellent sunchoke companion plant because it has deep roots that help break up compacted soil and bring nutrients to the surface. Additionally, comfrey leaves can be used to make a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your sunchoke plants.

How to grow comfrey:

Comfrey is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow from root cuttings. Plant comfrey in a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil. Water regularly, and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are another great sunchoke companion plant because they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests that might otherwise damage your sunchokes. Additionally, nasturtiums have a shallow root system that won't compete with your sunchoke plants for nutrients.

How to grow nasturtiums:

Nasturtiums prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Plant the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, and water regularly. Nasturtiums are also edible and have a peppery flavor that can add some spice to your salads or sandwiches.

3. Beans

Beans are a classic companion plant for many vegetables, including sunchokes. They help fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve overall soil health and nutrient availability. Additionally, beans can help support climbing sunchoke plants by providing a trellis for them to climb.

How to grow beans:

Beans prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Plant the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, and water regularly. If you're growing pole beans, provide a trellis or other support structure for them to climb.

4. Garlic

Garlic is a natural pest repellent and can help keep pests like aphids and spider mites away from your sunchoke plants. Additionally, garlic has a shallow root system that won't compete with your sunchokes for nutrients.

How to grow garlic:

Garlic prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Plant the cloves in the ground in the fall or early spring, and water regularly. Garlic is typically harvested in mid-summer when the leaves to yellow.

5. Marigolds

Marigolds are another natural pest repellent that can help keep pests like nematodes and whiteflies away from your sunchoke plants. Additionally, marigolds have a deep root system that can help break up compacted soil and bring nutrients to the surface.

How to grow marigolds:

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Plant the seeds directly in the ground after the last frost, and water regularly. Marigolds are also edible and can be used as a natural food coloring or flavoring agent.

Tips for Growing and Harvesting Sunchokes

Now that you know some of the best sunchoke companion plants, let's go over some tips for growing and harvesting your own sunchokes:

Planting: Sunchokes are typically planted in the spring, about two weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them in a sunny location with well-draining soil, and space them about 12 inches apart.
Mulching: Mulch around the base of your sunchoke plants to retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting.
Watering: Water your sunchoke plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater them, as they can be prone to rotting in wet soil.
Harvesting: Sunchokes are typically harvested in the fall after the first frost. To harvest them, simply dig up the tubers with a spade or fork.
Storage: Sunchokes can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks. They can also be stored in the ground over the winter if you live in a mild climate.

Companion planting is a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden, and sunchokes are no exception. By planting sunchoke companion plants like comfrey, nasturtiums, beans, garlic, and marigolds, you can help your sunchokes grow stronger and healthier while also supporting a diverse ecosystem of beneficial insects and microorganisms.

Remember to follow the tips for growing and harvesting sunchokes, and you'll be enjoying these delicious and nutritious tubers in no time.

FAQs

1. Are sunchokes easy to grow?

Yes, sunchokes are relatively easy to grow and require minimal care. However, they can be invasive if not kept in check, so be sure to plant them in a contained area.

2. How do I know when my sunchokes are ready to harvest?

Sunchokes are typically ready to harvest in the fall after the first frost. The leaves will to yellow and die back, indicating that it's time to dig up the tubers.