Cut down Jerusalem artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes are hardy, and part of their appeal is they can be lifted as needed and don’t need special storage. But they make tall stems that are prone to being blown over in autumn. They often lift the tubers from the ground as they topple, where they can dry out or be damaged by slugs or rodents. Even if there are some leaves on the stems, the plants won’t make more new growth now so should be cut down. Leave stems 15cm high to help with harvest and the stems can be cut up or shredded and composted.