I'm over in western Washington so my current climate is about as far opposite as I can get from you.
Looks like you need lots of organic matter. It tends to be the universal fix for soil. We're on glacial till so our soil is half rock with enough clay to make it rock hard in summer.
Thanks @Britesea that is some good information. We generally have a few freezes in winter, but not too bad. But we had a week of below freezing and it got as low as 11 degrees. If I can get them to grow, I will definitely pack them well for the winter!
Do you think artichokes will overwinter in my area? We just completed a week of below freezing weather with a dip to 11F.
My first year garden here was a total bust. Second year a little better, third year was a lot better. Seriously that first year I felt like walking behind the horses with a basket! LOL Really looking forward to garden #4.