It’s true, I am a completely lazy person. I like when my garden is green and beautiful, but I do not have much time to spend on gardening, planting, and such. I am a busy person and, once again, a lazy one. When I begin gardening with much energy, I end up not being very keen, so I do not want to plant the types of vegetables and flowers that need a lot of attention. People who know me well are very much aware that my preference when it comes to flowers that I plant in my garden are perennial flowers. But what do you think is my second choice? Perennial vegetables!
In case you do not know what the term “perennial” stands for, it describes plants that can grow and bloom again each year. You sow them once and thereafter, they continue to yield without you having to work for it. Well, almost. Okay, I will show you around my favorite 12 perennial vegetables that I am sure will turn you into a lazy gardener.
1. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus is one of those vegetables that once you start eating, you just cannot get enough of it. Plant it once, and you will have a crop of fresh spears every spring, and the plant will keep yielding for the next two decades. It is almost like having a friend who arrives annually without having been invited. Also, asparagus is one of the most nutritious vegetables and is very simple to prepare; all you have to do is drizzle some olive oil, salt, and roast.
2. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb may sound like something out of a fairy tale, but this is one plant that is a magician in real life. This shrub comes up year after year, and the stems are quite tart, good for pies, jams, and sauces. It does well in cooler conditions, and once it gets a foothold in your garden, it will be there for the next few years, producing bucket loads of zesty fruit.
3. Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Artichokes are like the princes and princesses of the garden. They not only give an astonishing look but also go well with the taste buds. Young flower buds are used as a vegetable and can be collected from early April to early May. Also, they give your meals and the overall appearance of your garden that extra finesse. Plant them once, and they will be the rulers of your garden for the following years.
4. Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
Are you the type of person who loves to eat food that has a little spice to it? If so, then horseradish is your go-to perennial. This strong-flavored root crop enhances the flavor of food and is very simple to cultivate.
5. Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Notwithstanding the name, it is not from Jerusalem nor is it an artichoke, but a sunflower. Also known as sunchokes, these tubers are eaten raw and have a crisp, nut-like flavor. It is a fast-growing plant and can be rather aggressive, so it is advised to grow it in a separate bed, or it will swallow all other plants.
6. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Lovage is to celery what the cool cousin is to the nerd. This herb is used in soups, stews, and salads to give a good flavor. It has leaves and stems that are safe for consumption, hence it can be incorporated into your garden. Also, it is very easy to maintain – a bonus for those like me who have little patience for gardening.
7. Walking Onion (Allium proliferum)
Walking onions, also known as Egyptian or tree onions, are easy to grow and can thrive almost anywhere. They form small bulbs at the top of the stem, and these bulbs detach and replant themselves in the soil, moving around in the garden. These onions are great as they yield green onions all year round, and all you need to do is just space them.
8. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
It tastes slightly sour, and if you are a lover of such, then you will love sorrel. This is a cool-season annual with a citrus flavor that adds zest to salads, soups, and sauces. It also has a very fast growing time and is ready for picking all through the growing season. All you have to do is plant it once, and you will be enjoying the tangy leaves all the time.
9. Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis)
Chinese artichokes, or crosnes, are like gems hidden in your garden, and you have to dig them up. These small, rounded tubers have a rough surface and a crunchy texture with a nutty taste. They can be eaten either raw or cooked and are perfect for giving that required crunch to one’s stir-fries and salads. Once they are planted, they will come again the following year, each time with a new and exciting taste.
10. Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus)
Good King Henry could well be the name of a fairy tale character, but in reality, it is a perennial vegetable. It is very fast-growing and yields soft shoots and young leaves that can be cut and used throughout the vegetation period. It’s as if it’s a faithful servant you have in the garden, always ready to serve.
11. Sea Kale (Crambe maritima)
If there’s one thing that sea kale is like, it’s a holiday at the seaside for your plants. This coastal plant has tender shoots with a mild and nutty taste. It is very low maintenance and can produce a good crop each year once it has been planted. It is the ever-reliable annual that keeps on delivering time and again with very little input from you.
12. Perennial Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Finally, last but not least, we have perennial kale. This type of kale is a winter keeper because it continues to generate leaves throughout the year, even in the colder regions. Good for salads, smoothies, and steamed or stir-fried dishes, it is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Grow it once, and you will have kale for the next seasons without having to plant it again and again.
Well, there you have it – the 12 no-fuss perennials that will make your lazy gardener’s life that much easier. Plant them once, and you will be harvesting them forever and a day.
Want even more lazy gardener magic? You might be surprised by how easy it is to regrow these vegetables using nothing but scraps from your kitchen.
