Crowns for artichokes, asparagus and rhubarb are available now in local nurseries and from online purveyors. These perennial vegetables produce for many years. Artichokes and rhubarb—bold and beautiful—have a place in the edible landscape.

My rhubarb is from Peaceful Valley Farm Supply but you’ll find it in nurseries this month. Fortified by hefty amounts of compost and plenty of sunshine, my rhubarb plants produce mightily in season. Check the above website for short videos on growing various perennial vegetables that can be planted now in warm winter areas.

For California readers, asparagus UC 157 is highly recommended and widely available. Local nurseries will also offer many bare root berries at this time of year. For information on varieties of perennial vegetables and how to grow, check these sources:

• Sunset Western Garden Book of Edibles

• University of California California Garden Web

• GrowOrganic.com

• Pat Welsh’s Southern California Organic Gardening

Disclosure: I have no financial relationship with any of the linked sources noted above.