[viettaclark]

I've discovered a new organic local produce shop and have bought some artichokes to try planting. I know all the reasons for buying proper seed ones but I thought I'd give it a go (cheap...£1.20 a kilo) in a spare bit of ground near the daleks and the fence because they grow up to 3m!!! And you never get rid of them.....
Anyway...they don't like it too acidic (ph 5) and that area has been over-hung with fir in the past and the daleks have been sitting on it for 5 years (my compost is very rich with chicken poo and kitchen waste). I have got some lime but as I was going to dig in loads of mushroom compost, which is quite limey, do you think that would be enough? Don't want to overdo it!!

[savbo]

From what I've seen they grow easily so I wouldn't worry about the soil too much. Stopping them growing seems to be most people's problem!

we're throwing a few in a northern border 'outwith' our fence

sav

[sunshineband]

Savbo some of our plot holders here grow them as a summer windbreak (no pun intended) outside their boundaries. Very pretty with the yellow flowers.

They just crop what they want and leave the rest in, cut down the dead stems in the winter and chip them for the cmpost or add them to their bonfires.

Works a treat 

[viettaclark]

Sounds like this could be a good move......I've been wanting to disguise that grotty corner for ages and hopefully the flowers I leave will attract bees too?

[sunshineband]

Sounds like this could be a good move......I've been wanting to disguise that grotty corner for ages and hopefully the flowers I leave will attract bees too?

They certainly will - bees and other insects love them 

As they all face towards the sun, just check you wll actually see the flowers when they grow 

[Thephoenix572]

I grew some last and still digging up the tubers they are great growers

[SnooziSuzi]

I've said it before so I'll say it again... I've got guzzillions of the blighters so if anybody wants some just PM me your address and I'll post them to you

[mattwragg94]

yeh but surely thats going to cost you a fortune in postage suzi!

[SnooziSuzi]

wouldn't have thought so - would you like some? 

[mattwragg94]

well i have been thinking about growing some, and ive been looking around in the shops but cant seem to find any!

[viettaclark]

Yes...it's a perfect place Sunshine. They'll face out into the garden SW. and have their backs to the fence.
Sorted.