Starting a vegetable garden is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. Yet, nurturing home-grown crops is even more enjoyable when plants don't just die off at the end of the season, and return bigger and stronger the following year. Planting perennial vegetables in the garden is a smart way to expand your growing potential without having to invest in new crops every year. If you only have a small space to work with, then growing perennial vegetables in pots is also a possibility. Most of us usually only grow annual veggies, such as tomatoes and potatoes, which die at the end of the season and must be replanted the succeeding year. However, perennial vegetables return year after year, often yielding a bigger crop each time. Many perennial species are also unusual vegetables that you will not find at the grocery store, making growing them more interesting and diverse.
Like all perennial plants, perennial veggies are those that live for more than two years. The word "perennial" distinguishes them from the short-lived annuals and biennials. There are fewer true perennial vegetables than annuals, but there are still plenty to choose from. Perennial crops extend the growing season by providing food both earlier and later in the year. Since they return each season, they give you more bang for your buck than annuals. They also often require less care than annuals. There are a few readily known perennial vegetable plants, but there are a number of fascinating less recognized perennials that make a great addition to the garden landscape too. Each perennial has a unique habit and planting requirement.