Artichoke Vs. Artichoke

Ok I feel like I have been posting about the artichokes a lot but here's something new. Although only one monster artichoke has been featured in this blog-there is a smaller, less well known artichoke on the scene.

Exhibit A:

And then there is this one. Exhibit B:

These were planted at the same time in our backyard. After pondering over the differences, we have come to two conclusions. We put a lot more compost in the area of the monster artichoke and did not do a lot to enhance the soil in the area of the smaller one. Never underestimate the importance of compost. The other conclusion is that the smaller one is in an area that gets watered a bit less and is planted by a large established tree which most likely steals the water that is available.

Just a few things to think about for next time.