Artichokes

GLOBE-Set out plants in early spring after danger of frost is past. Plant in rich, well-drained soil that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Space 4-6 feet apart in rows 6-8 feet apart. Water well, especially when buds begin to form. Fertilize along each side of the row 3 times during the growing season. Remove flower buds when the size of an adult fist, before they begin to open, leaving 2-4 inches of stem on the stalk. In fall, cut stems back to 1-2 inches from the ground. The plants overwinter under a 6- to 8-inch layer of mulch and spread by suckers that develop after the blossom stalk dies. Old crowns can also be divided. Replant every 3-5 years.

JERUSALEM-Cut the tubers into pieces, so that each knob has part of the main tuber attached. In early spring, 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, plant the knobs 5 inches deep and 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Tubers are ready for digging after the tops are killed by frost. Dig like potatoes or leave in the ground and harvest throughout the winter. Freezing won't hurt the tubers, but a heavy straw mulch will make digging easier.

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