Summer is the perfect time to plan ahead for a garden that yields year after year. While annual vegetables require replanting each season, **perennial vegetables** can offer you the convenience of consistent harvests without the need for replanting every year. These resilient plants not only provide you with fresh produce but also help in creating a sustainable garden that reduces the need for constant replanting. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best perennial vegetables you can plant this summer to enjoy a lifetime of harvests.
### **What Are Perennial Vegetables?**
Perennial vegetables are plants that come back year after year, producing edible crops without the need for replanting. Unlike annual vegetables, which must be replanted every season, perennials have a much longer lifespan, making them a great investment for gardeners who want a reliable and low-maintenance food source. Once established, these plants can provide an ongoing supply of fresh vegetables with minimal effort.
### **1. Asparagus – A Must-Have for Your Garden**
Asparagus is one of the most popular and rewarding perennial vegetables. This vegetable can grow for 15 years or more when properly cared for, making it a long-term investment for your garden. Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Plant it in early summer, and in 2–3 years, you’ll be able to start harvesting spears every spring. With minimal care, asparagus will continue producing high yields year after year.
**Pro Tip**: To establish an asparagus bed, plant crowns 6–12 inches apart in a trench, ensuring they have enough room to grow and spread. After the first year, only harvest a few spears to let the plant establish itself.
### **2. Rhubarb – The Versatile, Tangy Perennial**
Rhubarb is another fantastic perennial to plant in summer. Known for its tangy stalks, rhubarb is a staple in pies, jams, and desserts. It’s a hardy vegetable that grows well in cooler climates and can continue producing for up to 15 years or more. Rhubarb prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and once it’s established, it requires very little maintenance.
**Pro Tip**: Harvest rhubarb in the spring and early summer, but avoid picking the stalks too late in the season, as this can weaken the plant.
### **3. Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) – A Hidden Gem**
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are a unique and nutritious perennial vegetable that thrives in almost any soil condition. These tubers grow underground and resemble potatoes, but they have a sweet, nutty flavor. Sunchokes are incredibly hardy and can survive the winter, allowing for continuous harvests throughout the year.
**Pro Tip**: Plant sunchokes in well-drained soil and provide them with full sun. Harvest them in late fall after the first frost, when the tubers are at their sweetest.
### **4. Perennial Kale – A Nutritious, Low-Maintenance Green**
Perennial kale, such as **’Daubenton’s’ kale**, is a leafy green that can produce year-round harvests once established. Unlike annual varieties, perennial kale can be harvested over several years, making it an excellent investment for your garden. The plant is hardy, grows well in most soil types, and can withstand cold weather.
**Pro Tip**: Perennial kale is best planted in a sunny spot with rich soil. Regular pruning helps to promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
### **5. Sweet Potatoes (Perennial Varieties)**
While most sweet potatoes are grown as annuals, there are perennial varieties, such as **’Beauregard’** or **’Vardaman,’** that can produce a continuous harvest if given the proper care. These sweet potatoes will spread throughout your garden, growing vines that produce edible tubers year after year. Plant them in warm, well-drained soil with full sun exposure for the best results.
**Pro Tip**: In cold climates, consider growing sweet potatoes in containers or raised beds to extend the growing season.
### **6. Sea Kale – A Coastal Perennial Delight**
Sea kale is a hardy perennial vegetable that grows well in coastal areas but can also be cultivated inland. It’s a highly nutritious vegetable, with both the leaves and stems being edible. The plant has a mild, cabbage-like flavor and is perfect for salads, stir-fries, and soups. Sea kale thrives in well-drained, alkaline soils and can continue producing for many years with minimal attention.
**Pro Tip**: Sea kale requires full sun and ample space to spread, so plant it in a spacious area of your garden where it can grow freely.
### **7. Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) – A Colorful, Delicious Tuber**
Oca, or the New Zealand yam, is a perennial tuber that grows well in a variety of climates. It’s easy to grow and produces small, colorful tubers that have a tangy flavor. Oca is perfect for gardeners looking for an alternative to potatoes and can be harvested in late fall after the tubers have matured.
**Pro Tip**: Oca thrives in full sun and requires regular watering. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent rot.
### **8. Egyptian Walking Onions – A Unique, Multipurpose Perennial**
Egyptian walking onions are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial. This onion variety grows in clusters, producing both bulbs and green tops that can be used in cooking. As the bulbs mature, they “walk” by sending up new shoots that spread out from the base of the plant.
**Pro Tip**: Plant Egyptian walking onions in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil for best results. They are incredibly hardy and can survive the winter.
### **9. Artichokes – A Flavorful Perennial Favorite**
Globe artichokes are a striking and flavorful perennial vegetable that will continue producing delicious buds for many years. Although artichokes take up a bit of space, they are well worth the investment. These plants prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and once established, they produce large, edible flower buds that can be harvested in late spring or early summer.
**Pro Tip**: Artichokes can be grown in containers for smaller spaces or raised beds. Prune the plants to promote healthy growth and increase yields.
### **10. Chives – The Herb That Just Keeps Giving**
Chives are one of the easiest and most versatile perennial vegetables to grow. These flavorful greens can be harvested year after year, and their mild onion flavor adds a delicious touch to salads, soups, and sauces. Chives are incredibly hardy and thrive in a wide variety of conditions, making them perfect for beginner gardeners.
**Pro Tip**: Chives grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Divide the clumps every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding and to encourage new growth.
### **A Lifetime of Harvests Awaits**
Planting perennial vegetables in your garden is one of the best ways to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce for years to come. By investing in these long-lived crops, you’ll save time, money, and effort while reducing waste and enjoying a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for edible greens, hearty tubers, or flavorful herbs, perennial vegetables offer a range of options to meet your gardening and culinary needs.
This summer, take the opportunity to plant these amazing perennial vegetables and enjoy a lifetime of harvests, year after year