🌱 Plant These 12 Perennial Crops Once in October… and Harvest Forever! 🌱
Welcome back to Earthly Delights! If you’ve ever felt tired of starting from scratch every spring, this video is made for you. Many of you watching are busy gardeners with limited time, small backyards, or simply a desire for low-maintenance abundance. That’s why we’re diving into the world of perennials plants you only need to put in the ground once, and they’ll keep rewarding you year after year.
In this video, you’ll discover 12 incredible perennial crops perfectly suited for U.S. gardeners who want to save time, build healthier soil, and enjoy harvests that return season after season. Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of simple success or a seasoned gardener looking to maximize your efforts, this guide will help you turn your backyard into a food-producing paradise.
✨ Here’s what you’ll gain from watching:
🌱 Learn which perennial crops thrive when planted in October
🌱 Save time and energy by planting once and harvesting for years
🌱 Build a more sustainable, soil-friendly garden system
🌱 Enjoy fresh, delicious harvests with far less maintenance
So grab your notebook and let’s explore together how to plant once and harvest forever. Don’t forget to subscribe and comment your favorite perennial crop—you might inspire another gardener!
#PerennialGardening #FallPlanting #EarthlyDelights #HarvestForever #BackyardGarden #SustainableLiving #HomeGardenTips #GrowSmarterNotHarder #PerennialCrops #GardenAbundance
plant these 12 perennial crops once in October and harvest forever hello friends and welcome back to earthly delights if you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside your door and finding fresh food waiting for you without the constant cycle of replanting and reseeding this video is for you I know many of you watching are busy people some of you are new gardeners just learning where to begin others are longtime plant lovers who wanna save time protect your soil and build a garden that feels less like work and more like joy maybe you’re tired of spending every spring bent over seed trays or maybe you felt the sting of investing money into plants that vanish after one season you’re not alone that’s why today we’re talking about something truly game changing perennial crops these are plants you put into the ground once and they reward you year after year with food beauty and abundance imagine a garden that practically takes care of itself while giving you harvest season after season it’s possible and I’ll show you how so grab your notebook settle in and let’s explore together the 12 perennial crops you can plant once this October and harvest forever and before we dive in don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and tap the bell so you never miss the gardening wisdom we share here on earthly delights part 1 preparing the ground in October laying the foundation for perennial abundance now that we’ve set the stage let’s step into the heart of October the perfect month to prepare your garden for perennials think of this moment as laying the foundation for a home you only do it once but it supports everything that comes after the air is cooler the soil still carries the warmth of summer and nature itself is shifting into a time of rest this is your golden window when perennial crops can quietly anchor their roots and be ready to burst with life when spring returns start by looking at your soil because perennials are partners for years not just a single season add rich compost leaf mold or well aged manure now while the ground is open to receive it this is also the moment to correct soil pH if needed because some of the crops you’ll meet later like blueberries demand acidity to thrive October is also when weeds slow down giving you the upper hand to clear space once and for all before your perennials claim it as you walk your garden notice the sunlight patterns the pockets of shade and the areas where water lingers after rain these microclimates will decide which plant belongs where some perennials stretch tall and need full sun while others prefer dappled corners by matching the right plant to the right place now you’ll save yourself years of frustration so take this season as your chance to design wisely enrich deeply and give your soil the care it deserves because once your perennials are planted the ground becomes sacred disturb it less nurture it more and it will reward you with harvest for a lifetime part 2 the 12 perennial crops you plant once and keep harvesting here’s where the magic truly begins you’ve prepared the soil set the stage and now it’s time to meet the stars of your garden the 12 perennial crops that will change the way you think about food and planting forever each one carries its own story its own flavor and its own gift for the gardener who dares to plant it this October from hardy roots to leafy greens to fruiting shrubs these plants will become lifelong companions in your backyard harvest 1 walking onions the self planting wonder if there were ever a plant that seemed to have a mind of its own it’s the walking onion also called the Egyptian onion unlike ordinary onions that finish their season and disappear these curious perennials have a way of keeping themselves alive without your help as the tall green stalks grow they form little clusters of bulbs at the top over time those bulbs get heavy bend toward the ground and root themselves as if the plant is literally walking across your garden it’s a gardener’s dream plant once and the onions do the rest walking onions are hardy thriving in cold winters and bouncing back with vigor each spring plant them in October tucking the small bulbs into well drained soil about 2 inches deep they love full sun but will tolerate partial shade and once they settle in you’ll notice how little care they demand a little water during dry spells a bit of mulch for Protection and they’ll reward you season after season the beauty of walking onions is their versatility you can snip the tender green tops like chives for a fresh mild onion flavor dig the underground bulbs for stronger taste or harvest the topset bulbs to eat or replant every part is edible and every part ensures the cycle continues for the busy gardener the walking onion is more than food it’s a symbol of abundance persistence and the joy of watching nature take care of itself 2 chives the flavorful garden companion chives may look delicate with their thin green blades and pretty purple flowers but don’t let their appearance fool you these are tough reliable perennials that come back stronger every year for gardeners who crave both beauty and usefulness chives are a perfect fit they bring a gentle onion like flavor to your kitchen while quietly working in your garden as pollinator magnets when they bloom bees and butterflies rush in boosting the productivity of everything around them planting chives in October gives them time to establish before winter sets in they prefer rich well drained soil and do best in full sun though they all handle partial shade without complaint space them about 8 inches apart and watch as they form neat clumps that return each spring for those with limited space or city apartments chives thrive just as happily in pots making them a must have for balconies patios or window sills caring for chives couldn’t be easier keep the soil lightly moist and when they flower you can choose to snip off the blossoms to encourage more leafy growth or leave them to feed pollinators harvesting is as simple as taking a pair of Scissors and cutting a handful of leaves a couple inches above the soil new shoots will sprout quickly ensuring you always have a fresh supply whether sprinkled over scrambled eggs stirred into soups or frozen for later chives offer endless ways to flavor your meals while making your garden more alive and abundant 3 Sorrel the zesty green that keeps giving if you’ve ever wanted a leafy green that surprises your taste buds sorrel is the one to grow this hardy perennial delivers a bright lemony flavor that adds a spark of freshness to soups sauces salads and even smoothies unlike annual greens that fade after a season sorrel faithfully returns each spring ready to provide you with a steady harvest for years to come for gardeners who crave variety and resilience sorrel is a hidden gem plant soil in October so it can take root before winter arrives it thrives in well drained compost rich soil and enjoys full sun though it also adapts well to partial shade space your plants about a foot apart and you’ll soon have a patch of greens that grows quickly and produces abundantly because sorrel is naturally resilient pests and diseases rarely bother it making it a reliable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners caring for sorrel is almost effortless keep the soil moist during hot dry spells and trim back flower stalks when they appear to keep the plant focused on leaf production harvest the outer leaves once they’re about 4 to 6 inches long and the plant will continue sending up new growth throughout the season the flavor is tangy and refreshing a perfect way to brighten up heavier meals with sorrel in your garden you’ll always have a perennial green that not only nourishes your body but also reminds you how simple and rewarding gardening can truly be 4 Rhubarb the bold and reliable spring classic few plants announce the arrival of spring as boldly as rhubarb with its thick red stalks pushing through the soil while much of the garden still sleeps rhubarb is a true perennial powerhouse once established it can live and produce for a decade or more making it a long term investment in your garden’s abundance gardeners love it not only for its vibrant color but also for its versatility in the kitchen perfect for pies jams sauces and even savory dishes that need a tangy twist October is the perfect time to plant rhubarb crowns place them in fertile well drained soil about 3 feet apart because this plant spreads generously as it matures rhubarb thrives in full sun though it can tolerate partial shade and appreciates soil enriched with plenty of compost the first year requires patience avoid harvesting so the plant can focus on building strength by the second or third year you’ll be rewarded with more stocks than you might ever expect caring for rhubarb is simple water during dry spells and mulch in the fall to protect the crowns through winter when harvest time comes always remember that only the stalks are edible the leaves contain oxalic acid and should never be eaten harvest by pulling stalks cleanly from the base rather than cutting which encourages new growth with each passing season rhubarb becomes more generous offering not just food but the joy of watching your garden come alive with one of nature’s most dependable perennials 5 horseradish the fiery root that never quits horseradish is the kind of perennial that seems almost unstoppable once it takes hold known for its bold spicy flavor this root crop adds a fiery kick to sauces pickles and traditional dishes but beyond its taste horseradish earns a spot in your garden because of how little care it demands plant it once and it will reward you year after year often spreading stronger and wider the longer it grows for gardeners who want resilience with character horseradish is a must have October is the perfect month to start horseradish from root cuttings place them at a slight angle about 2 inches deep and a foot apart in loose well drained soil that gets plenty of sun once those roots take hold horseradish becomes nearly indestructible it tolerates poor soils shrugs off pests and keeps coming back without complaint in fact your biggest challenge won’t be growing it it will be containing it horseradish spreads vigorously so many gardeners choose to dedicate a separate bed or even plant it in large containers to keep it in check when harvest time arrives usually in late fall you’ll dig up thick white roots with a powerful aroma grate them fresh for homemade horseradish sauce add them to pickling brines or mix into dishes for an unforgettable bite any small root fragments you leave in the soil will regrow ensuring next year’s crop is already secured with horseradish in your garden you gain more than a spicy condiment you gain a tough enduring partner that reminds you of the strength and persistence hidden beneath the soil 6 Jerusalem artichoke the sun loving tuber that keeps coming back also known as sun chokes Jerusalem artichokes are one of the most underrated perennial crops you can grow at first glance they look like towering sunflowers reaching up to 10 feet tall with cheerful yellow blooms but underground they’re quietly producing knobby potato like tubers that can be roasted mashed or even eaten raw for a crisp nutty crunch once planted they’ll return every year without fail making them a true set it and forget it crop for any gardener October is the perfect time to tuck these tubers into the soil plant them 3 to 5 inches deep and about a foot apart in loose well drained ground preferably in a sunny location they’re not fussy about soil quality and are remarkably tolerant of drought which makes them a reliable choice for busy gardeners or those with challenging conditions just remember they spread aggressively so give them plenty of space or plant them along the edges of your garden where they can form a natural windbreak caring for Jerusalem artichokes couldn’t be easier occasional watering during dry spells is usually all they need come late fall wait until after the first frost to harvest when their flavor turns sweeter and more complex any tubers left behind in the soil will simply sprout again next spring ensuring a continuous supply without replanting with their resilience beauty and abundance Jerusalem artichokes remind us that some of the best crops are the ones that thrive quietly in the background rewarding patience with generous harvest year after year 7 asparagus the long lived spring treasure if there’s one perennial that every serious gardener dreams of it’s asparagus unlike most vegetables that last a single season asparagus crowns can keep producing tender spears for 15 to 20 years once established imagine planting just once and then harvesting crisp green shoots every spring for decades that’s the kind of long term payoff asparagus offers it may require patience in the beginning but the rewards are unmatched October is a wonderful time to plant asparagus crowns giving them the cool season to settle before winter dig a trench about 6 to 8 inches deep and wide enough to spread the roots comfortably place the crowns inside cover them with just a couple inches of soil at first then gradually fill in the trench as the plants grow space each crown about 18 inches apart because asparagus loves room to stretch full sun and well drained soil are key to keeping them happy during the first year resist the urge to harvest let the feathery ferns grow tall feeding the roots and building strength by the second or third spring you’ll be able to cut tender spears that taste unlike anything from the grocery store care is simple keep the bed weed free water in dry spells and top with compost each spring with just a little attention asparagus becomes a steady companion greeting you each spring with a harvest that signals the start of gardening season plant it once and you’ll enjoy its gifts for generations 8 Globe Artichoke the sculptural beauty with delicious rewards few crops combine elegance and flavor quite like the globe artichoke standing tall with silvery green leaves and dramatic flower buds it looks like a living sculpture in your garden but these striking buds aren’t just for show they’re edible treasures that can be steamed roasted or stuffed for gourmet meals right from your backyard plant a globe artichoke once and it can continue to reward you for five years or more making it both ornamental and practical October is a smart time to plant globe artichokes especially in milder climates where they can overwinter successfully choose a sunny spot with rich well drained soil and give each plant at least 3 feet of space because they grow large and wide if you garden in a cooler region protect the crown with mulch or straw during harsh winters and you’ll see them bounce back each spring with regular water and an annual boost of compost they’ll thrive and produce generously in their second year and beyond globe artichokes send up multiple buds that you can harvest while they’re still tight and compact for the best flavor if you allow some to bloom they explode into massive purple thistles that attract pollinators and turn your garden into a showpiece whether you grow them for the taste the beauty or both globe artichokes prove that a perennial can be as much about pleasure as it is about productivity they stand tall as symbols of abundance resilience and artistry in any garden 9 blueberries the sweet bush that lasts for decades blueberries are more than just a delicious snack they’re a perennial investment that can keep giving for decades once you plant them these shrubs grow stronger and more abundant each year eventually rewarding you with bowls of antioxidant rich berries every summer they’re perfect for gardeners who want beauty as well as harvest since their spring blossoms summer fruit and fiery fall foliage make them a four season delight in the landscape planting blueberries in October allows their roots to settle before winter dormancy the key to success lies in the soil blueberries thrive in acidic ground with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 amending with peat moss pine needles or sulfur can help achieve this choose a sunny location space bushes about 4 to 5 feet apart and plant at least two different varieties for cross pollination this ensures bigger yields and sweeter berries caring for blueberries is straightforward keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and mulch heavily with pine bark or wood chips to conserve moisture and keep weeds down each winter prune away older wood to encourage fresh growth and maintain productivity come harvest time you’ll know they’re ready when the berries turn a deep blue and slip easily from the stem whether eaten fresh by the handful frozen for smoothies or turned into pies and jams blueberries bring joy year after year plant them once and they’ll become a centerpiece of your garden’s abundance for generations 10 ramps the Wild Gourmet Treasure ramps often called wild leaks or wild garlic are one of those crops that feel like a secret gift from the forest beloved by chefs and food lovers ramps carry a unique flavor a bold mix of onion and garlic with a hint of sweetness in early spring when gardens are just waking up ramps are among the first greens to appear offering a burst of freshness when little else is ready to harvest for the gardener planting ramps means having a gourmet ingredient right at your fingertips each year October is an excellent time to establish ramps giving their bulbs time to root before winter unlike many crops ramps thrive best in shaded areas with rich humus filled soil think of conditions similar to a forest floor Tuck the bulbs a couple of inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart then cover with a layer of leaf mulch to mimic their natural Woodland environment they grow slowly but with patience they’ll return faithfully every spring caring for ramps is simple once they’re established they prefer consistent moisture and Protection from hot direct sun because they grow slowly it’s important not to overharvest take only a few leaves or bulbs each season leaving the rest to multiply in time your patch will expand becoming a perennial supply of this rare delicacy whether you saute them add them to soups or use them raw in salads ramps bring a wild vibrant taste to your kitchen while connecting your garden to the rhythms of nature 11 Lovage the perennial celery with a bold twist lovage is one of those plants that often surprises gardeners who try it for the first time tall leafy and fragrant it carries a flavor that’s like celery but richer and more intense perfect for soups stews and broths what makes lovage truly special is its staying power once planted this perennial herb can thrive for years growing into an impressive clump that adds both beauty and utility to your garden for anyone who wants a reliable low maintenance herb with a gourmet edge lovage is a hidden treasure October is the perfect month to plant lovage choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with fertile well drained soil and space each plant about 18 inches apart because lovage can reach heights of 6 feet it’s best to give it a place where it won’t overshadow smaller crops add compost when planting and the roots will settle in comfortably before winter arrives ready to surge with growth in spring caring for lovage is wonderfully simple keep the soil evenly moist mulch around the base and divide the clump every few years to keep it vigorous in summer lovage produces tall stems topped with clusters of yellow green flowers that attract pollinators harvest the leaves throughout the season snipping them fresh for cooking or drying them for later use even the stalks and seeds are edible giving you multiple harvest from one plant lovage is more than just a herb it’s a long term companion that quietly enriches your garden and your kitchen year after year 12 Kernza the perennial grain of the future Kernza might not be a household name yet but it’s a revolutionary perennial grain that is reshaping the way we think about food crops developed from intermediate wheatgrass Kernza is designed to be planted once and harvested for years making it a game changer for gardeners who want to experiment with sustainable food systems unlike traditional grains that demand replanting every season Kernza sends down deep roots that anchor the soil improve its health and reduce the need for constant tilling for home gardeners it’s both an exciting crop to grow and a step toward future forward gardening October is an excellent time to sow kurza seeds giving them the cool season to establish strong root systems it thrives in full sun and well drained soil and while it can be grown in regular garden beds it also performs well as part of a larger edible landscape or perennial meadow sow the seeds in rows or clusters and with a little patience you’ll see it come back year after year caring for Kernza is straightforward it needs occasional watering in dry spells and benefits from a layer of mulch or compost in spring harvest usually comes in late summer when the grain heads turn golden though the yield is smaller than annual wheat Kernza provides the satisfaction of a sustainable harvest with far less work beyond the grain its lush green growth also offers erosion control and habitat for beneficial insects planting Kernza isn’t just about food it’s about cultivating resilience both in your garden and in the soil beneath your feet part 3 caring for your perennials year after year now that you’ve met the 12 perennial crops let’s talk about how to care for them so they thrive for seasons to come planning is only the beginning these crops are companions you’ll live with for years and just like any relationship a little attention goes a long way the beauty is that they don’t need constant replanting but they do need your steady guidance to reach their full potential the first step is protecting them through their very first winter after planting in October cover the soil with mulch straw leaves or wood chips this blanket not only insulates the roots against the freezing thaw cycles but also feeds the soil as it breaks down come spring your plants will push through stronger because of the care you gave them in the cold months each year think of feeding your perennials not with harsh fertilizers but with organic matter top dress with compost or leaf mold to give them the slow steady nutrition they need unlike annuals which burn through nutrients in a single season perennials prefer this gentler long term support mulch again each year to conserve moisture suppress weeds and keep the soil life vibrant some of your crops will eventually need dividing or pruning chives sorrel and lovage benefit from being split every few years to keep them productive while blueberries reward you if you prune out older wood each winter others like horseradish and Jerusalem artichokes may try to take over your garden so set boundaries early and harvest generously to keep them in check caring for perennials isn’t about control it’s about balance allow them space nurture them with patience and they will repay you with resilience and abundance when you walk into your garden year after year and see these plants growing stronger you’ll feel the quiet joy of knowing you’ve built something lasting something that keeps giving without demanding everything from you this is where gardening becomes not just a task but a partnership with time itself part 4 expanding toward a perennial food forest once you’ve cared for your first perennials and watch them return year after year you’ll start to see your garden differently it’s no longer just a collection of plants it becomes a living system this is where the idea of a perennial food forest comes in a layered garden that mimics nature while feeding you in every season it doesn’t matter if you have a large backyard or a modest suburban plot the principles remain the same think in layers plan for diversity and let time work with you instead of against you start with the tallest plants fruiting shrubs like blueberries or the towering stalks of Jerusalem artichokes and let them create structure and shade beneath them you can place medium height crops such as lovage or globe artichokes that fill the middle layer with foliage and flavor then add low growing companions like chives sorrel or walking onions to carpet the soil and keep it alive each layer supports the others the tall plants offer Protection the ground covers preserve moisture and together they create a balanced ecosystem that thrives with less interference as your confidence grows you might even experiment with less common choices ramps in a shaded corner Kernza in a sunny patch of open soil over time these perennials knit together into a system that feels wild yet abundant something between a cultivated garden and a natural meadow this shift toward a food forest mindset also frees you as a gardener you’re no longer locked into endless cycles of sowing and replanting instead you become a caretaker of something that matures year after year giving more while asking less it’s the essence of abundance a garden that provides food beauty and resilience all because you planted wisely and allowed nature to do what it does best plant once harvest forever so here we are at the end of our journey through the 12 perennial crops that can transform your garden from the fiery bite of horseradish to the sweetness of blueberries from the self planting magic of walking onions to the elegance of globe artichokes each plant brings something unique something lasting together they show us that gardening doesn’t have to be an endless cycle of starting over it can be a rhythm of continuity a partnership with the land that deepens year after year imagine walking into your backyard in spring summer and fall knowing that food is already waiting for you because of choices you made once seasons ago that’s the true gift of perennials they reward patience with abundance they give back more than they take and they remind us that sometimes the best work in the garden is done quietly below the soil where roots anchor themselves for the future now it’s your turn to bring this vision to life which of these 12 perennials speaks to you most would you start with something classic like asparagus or are you tempted by the adventure of trying ramps or kernerza share your thoughts in the comments below I’d love to hear your plans and your gardening dreams and if you found inspiration in this video don’t forget to subscribe to earthly delights and tap the bell so you never miss a chance to grow smarter not harder together let’s plant once harvest forever and build gardens that feed both our bodies and our spirits
14 Comments
Just finished watching this incredible video on perennial crops, and I’m beyond inspired! 🌱 The idea of planting once in October and enjoying harvests year after year is exactly what I’ve been looking for. It’s so motivating to think of my garden becoming a low-maintenance, sustainable food source that keeps giving back. The walking onions and rhubarb sound like they would fit perfectly in my garden! I love how each plant not only offers food but also adds beauty and life to the space. Can't wait to start planning for next year! #SustainableGardening 🌿
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😢Walking onions do not form Iarge bulbs🤦🏽♀️
You are in competition with annoying music and it won. I am out
"Wow, I’m so inspired! I’m definitely trying walking onions and lovage in my garden this year. Love the idea of planting once and harvesting forever! Thanks for the great tips!"
Thanks! Ive already got a small asparagus plot and have been wanting to interplant strawberries. I have a small plot of Jerusalem artichokes(sunchokes) and of walking onions. I think I'll add lovage and rhubarb this year. Thanks for the informative video!
Those onions pictured here are NOT walking/Egyptian onions. They are regular onions…. Just so you are not disappointed. They are more like green, bunching, or scallions, with bulblets at the tips.
Get your images right. Don't give wrong info.
I live in Florida, would it work here?
AI over here showing regular yellow onions rather than walking onions
This video is so helpful! I’m growing sunchokes and walking onions, and I think I’ll add a few lovage plants to see if they work well together.
It would be nice if you would stop repeating yourself.
Thank you!!! Very good, informative video! I’m going to try Jerusalem artichoke and lovage 🙂
1. Walking Onions
2. Chives
3. Sorrel
4. Rhubarb
5. Horseradish
6. Jerusalem Artichokes
7. Asparagus
8. Glove Artichoke
9.Blue Berries
10. Ramps ( wild leaf, wild garlic)
Just getting started, can any of these be planted in the same raised container beds?