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8 'forgotten' vegetables to plant now for harvests every year – including an 1800s favourite
Plant these vegetables now and enjoy bountiful harvests for years to come
While you can plant vegetables now and be harvesting by summer, it's also good to think about the long game: plant once, and enjoy the rewards year after year.
Now is a great time to start sowing those reliable, repeat crops. Natalie Derham-Weston, head gardener at Lainston House, says, "Spring is the perfect time to plant many perennial vegetables as the air and soil temperature starts to warm, allowing seeds to germinate."
When it comes to positioning, Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys, recommends choosing a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. "It's well worth taking the time to prepare the ground properly — digging in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure gives plants a strong start and helps prevent problems later on.” Space matters, too: "These plants aren't going anywhere, so give them room from the outset."
Patience is key. Perennial vegetables can take a while to establish, but once they do, they require surprisingly little fuss. As Luke explains, "One mistake I see often is treating perennial veg like annuals. They don't need constant digging or disturbance. A yearly mulch, an occasional feed in spring and watering during dry spells are usually enough."
So if you're thinking beyond this season, these are the vegetables to plant now for harvests that keep on giving.
Cardoons
Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford, says cardoons "will grow in most soils" but don't like winter waterlogging; in very cold areas, it can help to earth them up.
If you plan to eat them, keep plants "moist and well manured," and tie them into a loose bunch for the last ten days before harvest to get "more tender stalks", though he adds, "I don’t bother."
Once established, "they don’t need much weeding… they will see off even the most competitive weeds," making them "ideal for the lazy gardener with space."
Each plant is "an ecosystem in itself," supporting insects, adding bold structure, and producing flowers loved by bees. Cutting back in autumn is optional; they’ll regrow regardless."
Nine Star Broccoli
Luke advises planting nine star broccoli as an alternative to more traditional types such as purple sprouting and tenderstem. "This produces small, cauliflower‑style heads over several seasons."
Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, is also a big fan. "It's very hardy, tasty and easy to grow. 60-90cm apart is ideal when planting."
Globe artichokes
Globe artichokes provide great shape and structure to a garden, as well as being delicious to eat and now's the time to plant.
Natalie recommends: "A straw mulch helps protect from any frost, and they prefer well-drained soil. They produce best in their first 2-3 years and after this, should be replaced or divided for best results. It’s known to reduce nausea and vomiting, lower cholesterol, and protect the liver. Space 1-1.5m apart."
Skirret
Skirret might be one you haven't come across before. Popular in the 1800s, this root vegetable is due for a comeback.
Natalie recommends it for its "low maintenance, hardy and high yield" qualities. As for flavour, it's sweet and aromatic, somewhere between carrot, parsnip and potato, with a hint of pepper. "The young leaves and shoots are also edible, so there's less waste. Space 30–45cm apart," she adds.
Good King Henry
Good King Henry is a leafy green with a similar flavour profile to spinach.
"It grows exceedingly well in the UK," says Natalie. "It enjoys nitrogen-rich soil, but doesn't need particular soil structure. They do prefer colder temperatures for germination so if planting in the spring, you can use the fridge method. This veg is particularly good if you're looking for continuous picking, rather than a big harvest. Plant now and space 40-60cm."
Perennial kale
Traditional kale types are annuals, but there are a variety of types you can grow for results year after year.
Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, is a fan of sea kale. "It's extremely drought-tolerant and the blanched, young shoots are both tasty and a delicacy! Sea Kale can grow large, so a big pot would be needed. If growing in the ground, allow for about 75cm between plants."
Another type of perennial kale popular with vegetable growers is Daubenton's kale.
Morris explains: "It's a perennial brassica and leaves can be harvested all year in mild winters. It also doesn’t bolt like annual kale, which is a bonus in hot weather. Plant about 60cm apart, or up to 90cm if you have space."
Jerusalem artichokes
These knobbly vegetables often feel fleeting on supermarket shelves — a rare treat when you spot them. But in the garden, they can provide a generous, ongoing supply.
As Morris puts it: "Jerusalem artichoke will produce many edible tubers; however, it is aggressive and once you have it, you will always have it! This is best planted in a large container or in an area where it can't run wild."
Asparagus
A classic for a reason but one that requires patience. "Asparagus requires well drained soil in a sunny spot," shares Natalie. "This can continue providing veg for up to 20 years, although it is best not to harvest until it is over two years old. Space the crowns 30-45cm and rows 90-120cm. Closer spacing will produce higher yield per area with thinner spears, while wider spacing will give fewer plants but thicker and stronger spears."
Daisy Bendall is the Houses Editor at Country Living and House Beautiful, where she spends her days sourcing some of the most inspiring homes across the country. Prior to specialising in real homes, Daisy worked for Good Housekeeping, Red, Elle Decoration and Prima, styling shoots, covering the latest decorating trends and hunting down the best buys for your home.
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