Well, there was no snow today (phew!), so I was able to get out into the garden and do another job on my list. In previous years, I have tended to leave the Jerusalem artichokes until they have been almost sprouting, so this year I was keen to get them out of the pot before then.
The plan was to to transfer the compost from the Jerusalem artichoke pot, once it had been divested of its tubers, to the pots on the patio. Then I would be able to fill the now empty pot with new compost and plant a dwarf pear tree.
I didn’t get as far as this, though. The compost in the Jerusalem artichoke pot was frozen at the top and even when I had broken through, it took an age to sift through the contents to find every last little fragment of the tubers. This year, they were very small indeed, I think because they were so sparingly watered last summer. No matter, we enjoyed a pleasant soup with them at lunchtime, so altogether it was a job well done.
I wasn’t so pleased by what I noticed when I went to add more food waste to the Green Johanna, however. Some animal had been digging at the base, although it would appear that they did not get inside. I hope the base is intact but further investigations will have to wait for a while.
I knew realistically it was only a matter of time before the fine-tuned nose of a rodent picked up the scent of the Green Johanna’s contents. As they are not going down with it being such a cold winter, it’s difficult to fill up with brown ingredients which might temper the smell. So, my best hope is that whoever it was who showed such a keen interest in my compost has decided it’s not that appealing after all.
Growing out of chaos 
Let us hope so
Thank you, Derrick.
I am in the process of lifting my Jerusalem Artichokes too. I am having s sieve the soil to find the tiny ones and to get out nettle roots which have happily established in the pots. And like you I can see evidence of rodents in the beds and compost heaps looking for food. I shall have to have words with the cats!
Yes, the cats need to be onto this!
I’ve actually noticed nettles appearing in spite of the cold. Fortunately, not in any pots.
I am somewhat relieved to know that it’s just not only me with a rat problem. I gather some of the issue is that restaurants and pubs are no longer leaving stuff out for them as they are shut , so the rats are hungry.
Now, that could well be a reason why they are finding new quarters. I hope your rats find somewhere away from your garden very soon, Cathy!
So inspiring – Jerusalem Artichokes are so special… I must get some for this year!
I do hope your four legged guests soon move on..!
Thank you, Emma. Jerusalem artichokes are so easy to grow – I hope you get some this year.
I will thank you, Helen – I think they may be rabbit and deer proof, which is important where I am?
I’m afraid I don’t know about being rabbit and deer proof, as I don’t have either to deal with. There are rabbits in the vicinity but they’ve not yet found a way of getting onto my property.
I guess the way you’ll find out is to grow them and see. Would be interesting to hear your results 😊
Oh lucky you!! Yes, thank you for the inspiration Helen, I think they will be safe (though so few things are!) and I’m looking forward to making our own Artichoke Soup next year! 🙂
Good luck!