How are they doing Charlie?

They are growing well, so far. It has been raining for 6 days so my best garden plot is my raised bed that drains well. My plans changed a bit and I planted 7 Italian purple artichokes in my raised bed with 6 cauliflowers. I also planted 5 artichokes among my azalea bushes in my landscaped south side. I am sure that I planted them too close in my raised bed, but we will see how they do. Here are some pictures; the first is my evergreen Egyptian walking onions that I grow under a peach tree. The second is an artichoke plant; the third is a cauliflower plant and the fourth is my raised bed. In the last picture you will see onion sets that I am growing in containers on the side of the raised bed.

I put in one artichoke a few weeks ago, mostly for ornamental purposes, though fruit would always be welcome. I also put in one cardoon in my hell strip. I picked it up at the Greenspring Gardens plant sale for a buck so I figure what the heck. I've got another that I haven't decided if I'll put in the ground or gift to my mother.

Charlie, how do you fertilize your artichokes?

This is my first year at trying artichokes; I planted 5 in full sun, between tomatoes, now I think I will have to shade them somehow.; have no experience; I'm in Ky.

I love your raised bed.

When I plant them, I fill the hole with a mix of potting soil I make that includes organic fertilizer and worm castings. Once a week or so after planting, I water with compost tea.