I grew 6 artichokes last year and tried to overwinter them by covering them with leaves and a basket in Northern VA, but they all were killed by a winter that got down to 3 degrees and had extended period cold spells. Thomas Jeffeson did it but I was unable to.

I wonder if the artichokes at Monticello survived - I'm not giving up. Trying again with different varieties and planting methods.

River - I have Thomas Jefferson's garden book and althouigh he mentions growing artichokes, he does not indicate how he overwintered them. I planted "globe artichokes. I believe I have a method that will work. Before the first freeze, cut the chokes back to about 12 inches high. Mound mulch up around them, at least 6 inches high. Cut the bottom from a garbage bagand place a bag over each plant, turning the sides of the bottom of the bag inside forming a circle aroung the plant. Place some rocks on the bottom of the inside of the bag to hold it down. Fill the bag with dried leaves at least 1 foot higher than the plant and tie the top. Cover the entire bag with a tarp or other heavy cover.

One person's experience not particularly helpful, but I live about twenty minutes from Monticello--just over the mountain its on--and had no trouble overwintering my artichokes last year. Needed some protection from Spring frosts after the leaves began to emerge, but otherwise, no difficulty. I urge you to try again.

Shadygrove - How did you provide winter protection, if any?

Better late than never, CharlieBoring....during most of the winter, I didn't provide any protection...when we were going to have early-Spring frosts, after it had already started a little leafing-out, just took a big plastic pot, filled it full of leaves and plopped it over the plant at night.