[Deano27]

hi there, how do people store jerusalem artichokes?  mine are currently still in the ground, but i want to get them out now.  can you clamp them in sand?

[Aidy]

Yes, I dig them, store the ones I want in a cold shed and re-plant next years. Clamping is a good plan so long as it is dry.

[polly tunnel]

I am so glad someone has asked this question, cos I have bought some jerusalem Artichokes from the market and intend planting them. My books all seem to think February is the time to plant, what do you guys think? would it hurt to plant them now?
Thanks Poly tunnel.

[Deano27]

aidy - so do they need to be clamped in the shed, or can they just be stored in a box for example (providing its cool/dry there)?

[Chuffy]

I'm storing mine by giving them away...

[Kiwi]

what's clamping please?

[Salkeela]

I am so glad someone has asked this question, cos I have bought some jerusalem Artichokes from the market and intend planting them. My books all seem to think February is the time to plant, what do you guys think? would it hurt to plant them now?
Thanks Poly tunnel.

Last year I just dug up and popped one back at each spot as I went along.  So planting now would be fine.  This year I've cleared half the site  so far, removing the weeds  as I went along.

I intend to throw a bit more manure around when I have the last of them lifted before replanting in a week or two .  This year I'm also going to put old hay over the whole area to stop so many weeds getting started.

BTW.  I don't peel them before cooking.  I now scrub, boil and then slit the skins after cooking to get the nice insides. Much less work.

[polly tunnel]

Sally,
Thanks for that, I will get planting as soon as the ice has thawed.

[DIGGER]

what's clamping please?

In the days when people had large families and often survived by what they grew it was common to store root crops such as potatoes, carrots, Swedes, beetroot and celeriac in clamps. Clamps are probably not the best method for storing the smaller amounts required by a small family or couple.

The first thing to ensure is that the crop will be kept out of standing water. Choose a dry spot in the plot and then dig a trench around the storage area. This will help drain any water and provides soil you will need later.

Next place a layer of straw, bracken or even shredded paper on the ground and then place a layer of your crop down. With carrots, you could try a circular pattern, thick end to the outside, then place another layer of your packing material or sand to level up. Carry on adding layers to form a cone shape. On the outside of the clamp, place six to eight inches of straw and make a little straw spike at the top. This will allow excess moisture to escape,

The soil you removed from your drainage trench can then be used to cover the clamp. I’ve not actually made or used a clamp and would be interested to hear from anyone who has.

Not my own work.Cut and paste from this forum