If you look closely, the plant is in the back corner square of this 4x4 garden. It's growth has now shaded all 3 adjacent squares so nothing can grow in them. Moving it again is going to be a big job as these roots are sure to be deep. I will have to wait until after its bud production later this spring.
The artichoke is a perennial that can grow up to 6 feet in diameter, and 3-4 feet in height. It needs so much space that it is often used as a landscape plant as opposed to placing it in a garden. They grow best in sun, in a rich, loose, well-drained soil.
Be sure to consider the FULL growth potential of your plant when choosing its location. Moving plants is always an option (and one I fully encourage), but it is stressful on a plant to be moved. If planting veggies in a square foot kit, place your sprawling, high growth veggies on the corners and encourage them to sprawl outward. Leave a few feet around the perimeter of your square foot garden for growth of plants. Last summer, I planted squash on a corner and it grew outward about 4 feet! Tomatoes are tall and will shade adjacent plants so plan accordingly.
Good luck and let's hope this artichoke provides me with some yummy buds!
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