Waiariki Gardening

I've bought jerusalem artichokes in the past from several organic shops: most recently a little shop in Warkworth (across from the Four Square) but also Organic World (Pt Chevalier, Auckland) and Ceres Organics (Ellerslie, Auckland). I'd imagine your local organic vege shop could source them. (Yes, you just plant the same tubers that you buy to eat). Also, I've noticed Koanga Gardens have two sorts in their catalogue. I should also mention that jerusalem artichokes can also become weeds, and apparently several streams in west Auckland are laden with them. Someone locally (weed control at the Council?) might know where you could dig them up. Mind you, that might be a good continual source, so you wouldn't need to plant them. He he,

Koanga Gardens also have Chinese Artichokes. I'm intending to harvest my first ones tomorrow. They look like maggots, so it'll be interesting. If they're nice, they'd be another thing to plant now. You can google Koanga Gardens for contact details.

And don't forget about taking cuttings or divisions of perennials. I've found Chilean Guava strikes from cuttings readily (originally from Koanga Gardens too - it's a plant that fruits in the shade!) If you can find someone with society garlic, it's a fantastic plant, and now's a good time to divide it.

search 'jerusalem artichokes' or just go http://tinyurl.com/6qsh4p
 

I just bought a kilo, delivered for $14 from seller 'mybooks'

Yeah, don't bother trying to grow the stuff from the supermarket. I bought mine from an organic CSA