I've successfully grown jerusalem artichokes in several types of containers. They are very cold hardy, so you can just leave them outside for the winter, and they should do fine. In 10 gallon pots I got quite filled pots, with a solid mat of artichokes. In a 25 gallon pot I found that the plant produced no more top growth, but made better shaped, and more artichokes. These are an easy container plant as long as you keep them watered, and provide some fertilizer periodically. I also found that in containers I did not have the problems with the plants bending in the wind that I do with some of the plants in the ground. Enjoy growing them! By the way, there are several blogs detailing container gardening of jerusalem artichokes, including some with good pictures of the pots at various stages. Renais

I've found that the best time to plant jerusalem artichokes is right after you dig them up in the fall. That way they're able to sprout first thing in Spring. I plant them in the same spot every year, after adding compost, just in case there are any volunteers. The earlier you can plant them and the richer the soil, the more 'chokes you'll be able to harvest. Also, after digging them up, rinsing excess dirt off (no scrubbing of any kind), and letting the surface moisture dry, I've found that I can keep them fresh and crisp inside a closed bag in an unheated garage until at least March. Sometimes later if the weather doesn't warm up too fast. And it's already been mentioned several times, but I wouldn't eat a lot of them at one time. At least not until your body gets kinda used to them. They give you terrible gas. Rodney

I've grown them for 2o+ years...they aren't nearly as invasive as people think. Somehow(birds maybe???)...the seed does get scattered...but I have ONLY seen new patches of it spring up in disturbed ground...it never just volunteers in my vegetable or perennial gardens...but we had to dig a 40 foot trench for new water pipe..and the following spring..there it was!...same with when we had a guy come with a backhoe and dig a ditch a long side our driveway...but as far as it "taking over"...that is so far from reality..at least in my zone.

I wouldn't think of them as a sub for potato, but they are certainly easy to grow. I have grown them in a previous location and they stayed in one location and just spread a little. I have them here, and this Spring they are coming up five feet from where they were planted. I didn't dig them last year, and they did fall over a little in the Fall, so I guess they are coming up from seeds. This statement is from the American Diabetes Association web page. Quote: "Starchy foods are part of a healthy meal plan. What is important is the portion size. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. The key is portions. For most people with diabetes, having 3-4 servings of carbohydrate-containing foods per meal is about right. Whole grain starchy foods are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your gut healthy." End of quote. You will probably have a much greater spike from white pasta than you will from a potato. I was taught to include them in my diet.