I want to start an artichoke tree.
This article will help you with that:
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/HG-2003-03.pdf
I live in Oregon. The plants are 2 years old and artichokes are very small.
Perennials, such as artichokes normally take at least 3 years to become firmly established and produce profusely. They are heavy feeders, so make sure you are side dressing them with plenty of rich organic material. You should see more, and larger fruit next year.
I have second year artichoke plants and the artichokes are real small, like a large plum. Live in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Artichokes like any other perennial need at least 3 years to become fully established. Once that happens you should see an increase in both size and production of your artichokes. Their still very young plants.
How can I winterize artichoke plants?
You can build a cage around the plants with chicken wire and then fill that cage with leaves or straw, then cover this with burlap. This will keep them cozy through winter.
I was digging up some artichoke plants to try to over winter them inside and found that the main tuber below ground was half eaten away when I pulled them up.
There are a wide variety of pests it could be. In almost all cases, it is either a rodent or the larva of an insect. Rodents will leave teeth marks, while larva leave burrow like indentations.
If you suspect larva, treating the soil with a pesticide should take care of the problem.
With rodents, this article may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/garden-mouse-control.htm
Would artichokes grow well on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands? I read that they like a cool fall, but it is summer year round here. Would they do all right and produce year-round?
No, they need a period of chilling in order to flower. As you do not get cold weather there, they could no get their chilling and could not produce.
How often should I give liquid fertilizer to the vegetables in my garden? I have tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, artichokes, strawberries, and luttuce.
Most fertilizing takes place at the time of planting by way of compost or manure applications mixed into the soil. This is normally adequate for the season with other types of fertilizer used sparingly. This article has additional information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/fertilizer-options-for-your-vegetable-garden.htm