20 Root Vegetables Plants To Grow In Your Garden
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The cultivation of root vegetables, sometimes known as tubers or bulbs, such as carrots, beets, turnips, and onions is generally simple, although they present certain particular difficulties. You do not know if there is an issue until you pick them because the edible component grows underground and is not visible. Create a sturdy seedbed or raised bed before you begin.
Root vegetables can sometimes be grown twice during a regular gardening season since they are so simple to grow. Many of these ancient vegetables have an enormous amount of nutrients in addition to being delicious. You should absolutely think about making room in your rows for root veggies as you plan and get ready for gardening. Here are 20 excellent root vegetables that you ought to grow in your garden this year.
1. Beets
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The beetroot plant (Beta vulgaris) grows quickly and may be cultivated almost anyplace. Although beets are commonly thought to be a root crop, all portions of the beet plant are edible. When thinning a row of beets, harvest tender beet greens, and mature leaves provide good greens when it’s time to pull out the entire plant. Beets prefer full daylight, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight on the majority of days. They can, however, withstand some light shade. A light, fertile, well-draining soil with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral is ideal. Rocks, clay, weeds, and other impediments to root development should be eliminated. Every week, provide a minimum of 1 inch of water. Mulching will keep the soil from drying up and becoming too hot. If your soil lacks organic matter, supplementary feeding will be required approximately two weeks after the beets appear. Follow the label instructions for any decent vegetable fertiliser.
2. Carrots
Carrots are hardy, so plant them a couple of weeks before the last estimated frost date. The foliage needs full light to partial shade for the carrot leaves to develop swiftly and produce sugars, even when the roots grow underground. Carrots require loose, well-drained soil. Carrot roots will break and become distorted as a result of rocks and clumps. Carrots prefer soil that is somewhat acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.8 pH. Water your carrots once a week with a minimum of one inch of water. Mulching helps to conserve water and keeps the soil cool. Supplemental feeding will be required approximately two weeks following the carrot tops appear if your soil is low in organic matter. Any high-quality organic vegetable fertiliser would suffice. Because they require nutrients for their roots, avoid using excessive nitrogen fertiliser, which primarily promotes foliage growth.
3. Horseradish
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Horseradish is usually grown from little root pieces called as sets. Plant them promptly as the soil becomes warm in the autumn or early spring. A long growth season is required for the roots to develop. Choose a sunny garden location with loose, fertile, well-draining soil free of rocks, roots, and other pieces of debris. Container growth is another an option, but a large, deep pot is required. It should be noted that horseradish can grow quickly and push out neighbouring plants. To limit its spread, some gardeners plant it in underground containers in the vegetable garden. Root pieces need to be planted 3 inches deep at a 45-degree slant. They should be about 18 inches apart. A support structure should not be required. Horseradish requires a substantial amount of water. Insufficient water might result in woody roots with a weak flavour. However, too much water can result in soft roots with a strong flavour. It is optimal to get between one and two inches of water per week. Fertilise your horseradish when you plant it and then every four weeks after that. Compost, compost tea, or a branded 10-10-10 vegetable fertiliser can be used.
4. Onions
Onions can be grown from seed, but it is much easier and faster to cultivate them from sets (little onions). Most are heat-treated, which means they are less likely to bolt (create flowers), preventing the onions from bulking out. One small onion set yields one larger onion. Plant them in the autumn or spring, 10-15cm apart, in well-prepared, wet, fertile soil in full sun. Keep the space weed-free and water it during dry spells. When the onions are large enough to eat, or the foliage has become brown and begun to wither, harvest them. To help bulbs planted in the autumn, nourish them with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in the spring. During periods of drought, give your plants plenty of moisture, and remove any flowerheads that grow because they redirect their energy from bulb development to seed production. Because onions have shallow roots, manual weeding is preferable to hoeing in between the rows.
5. Parsnips
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Directly plant parsnip seeds in April in a well-prepared, weed-free soil. In dry weather, make sure to routinely weed the area and to water young seedlings. In the autumn, parsnips are ready for harvest. Wait till the first frosts to harvest parsnips for the best flavour. Full daylight, or a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight every day, is what parsnips prefer to grow in. They can handle some shade, though. Deep, rich, loamy soil that has sharp drainage is ideal. A neutral to slightly acidic soil pH is what parsnips prefer. Before planting, thoroughly loosen the soil about a foot down to promote healthy root development. Continuous moisture of one inch per week encourages strong and reliable root growth. Water deeply and gradually. Weak roots can be caused by frequent, shallow watering. However, avoid letting the soil around the plants grow damp. When planting, add a few inches of compost to the soil. After that, add some compost to the sides at midseason.
6. Potatoes
“Potato plant” (Public Domain) by JamesAnderson95
Although you can buy potatoes at a reasonable price, freshly dug potatoes from your own backyard garden appear to have a flavour all their own. Instead of starting with seeds, seed potatoes are used to develop more flavorful tubers of potatoes underground. Plant potatoes in full sun to promote top growth, which will encourage the growth of the roots. They can tolerate some darkness, but the lush top foliage is what nourishes the underground tubers. At least six to eight hours of sunlight every day are ideal. If the tubers are grown close to the surface, they must be shielded from the light to prevent turning green. This is avoided by mounding soil around the developing plants. Potatoes should be grown on soil with an acidic pH of 5.0 to 6.0. Higher pH soils seem to be more conducive to potatoes developing scab, which results in rough areas on the potato. A loose, well-draining soil is required. Clay-rich soil needs to be prepared by adding loose dirt down to the depths where the potato tubers will develop. Potato plants require a steady supply of water. Don’t forget to give the plants at least an inch of water per week. They are particularly vulnerable to drought when they flower because it is when potato tuber formation is at its most active. Mulching might aid in retaining moisture around the plants. When you plant your potatoes, you can fertilise them with an organic, slow-release fertiliser. Feed them with diluted liquid fertiliser or fish emulsion every two weeks.
7. Radishes
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Radishes are an annual root vegetable in the Brassicaceae or cabbage family, which also contains broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collards, and also as their name implies, horseradish. The entire plant, from root to leaf, is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. As soon as the soil is ready to work in the early spring, seed radishes directly into the garden. Because radishes mature very quickly, plant them weekly (succession sow) to assure a continual supply. You can also plant them again near the end of summertime and early autumn, at least four to six weeks before the first frost. When springtime temperatures reach 65 degrees, stop planting since the plants will bolt in the heat. Radish plants require full daylight, which translates to at least six hours of straight sunlight on most days. Radishes produced in too much shadow will devote more energy to leaf growth than root formation. The best soil for radishes is rich, loamy, or sandy, with a pH range from slightly acidic to neutral and good drainage. The soil must not be thick or compacted, as this will inhibit root growth. Radish plants require approximately 1 inch of water per week. Too dry soil can lead the plant to bolt and damage the taste of the radishes by making them pithy, while too moist soil can cause the plant’s roots to split and decay. A mulch layer surrounding the plants might help to keep the soil moist.
8. Rutabagas
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Growing rutabagas is not difficult; the most difficult aspect is timing your planting. Rutabaga roots need to be planted in advance so they can grow in cool weather since they ripen best in that environment. Rutabagas are ideal as an autumn crop in temperate climates or as a wintertime crop in warmer climates. From planting to harvest, they require approximately 80 to 100 days. Count back 90 days from the typical date of the first autumn frost in your location. In warmer climates, wait until nighttime temperatures are typically in the 50- to 60-degree range before starting fall plantings. Rutabagas thrive in full sun, which is 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. They can withstand some shade. Rutabagas require to grow in slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Good soil fertility will assist them flourish throughout their lengthy season; if the soil is poor, fix it before planting. Most crucial, ensure that the soil drains effectively so that the bulbs do not rot. Proper irrigation is essential for healthy root development. Provide your rutabagas with at least one inch of water per week; more often if it’s particularly hot or dry. You won’t require any additional fertiliser if you start using soil that is high in organic matter. A mid-season side treatment of compost will give the plants the boost they need to make it through the autumn.
9. Sweet potatoes
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Sweet potatoes are usually sown in the spring. They grow slowly and require a warm environment to produce full-size tubers. You should expect three to five tubers per plant, with more if you live in a warmer area. Plant the sweet potatoes in full sunlight to partial shade. They love full sun but appreciate afternoon shade in hot, dry climates. Sweet potatoes demand well-drained soil that is abundant in organic content. Sandier soil is preferred than clay-rich soil. Once established, sweet potatoes may grow in dry soil. It is preferable to maintain it uniformly moist by providing 1 inch of water once a week. To prevent mature tubers from splitting, avoid watering your sweet potatoes in the last three to four weeks before harvest. Maintain the plants moist, particularly during periods of drought. Sweet potatoes aren’t heavy feeders, but it is critical to provide them with adequate nutrients, which is normally achieved by proper soil preparation. Overfeeding promotes the growth of leaves rather than tubers. The ideal method is to amend the beds with compost prior to planting the sweet potatoes. Alternatively, before planting, add an organic liquid fertiliser to the soil.
10. Turnips
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Turnips thrive in the spring and autumn, but not in the hot summer months. Turnips are grown directly in the garden because they don’t receive transplants well. They also germinate in a matter of days. Their greens will be ready to harvest in a month, and the swelling roots are ready to be picked up in a month after that. Turnips need full light but will take partial shade, especially if you want to harvest the plant for its greens. It is simple to prepare the bed for growing turnip plants. Simply rake and hoe it as you would for planting. When you’re finished, drop the seeds on top of the dirt and gently rake them in. Turnips should be cultivated by sowing seeds 3 to 20 per foot (31 cm) apart, roughly half an inch (1 cm) deep in the soil. To accelerate germination, water shortly after planting. To give your turnips plenty of area to develop strong roots, thin them when they first begin to grow to a distance of about four inches (10 cm). Plant turnips at ten-day intervals to ensure that you have turnips to pick every couple of weeks all through the season. Turnips should be harvested when they are young and little, around the size of a golf ball. If then’re growing larger, maincrop kinds, you can harvest them as needed; but, the flavour becomes less sweet and the flesh becomes less tender the longer they remain in the ground.
11. Celery
Celery seeds are small and difficult to plant. Mix them with sand then sprinkle the sand-seed mixture on top of the potting soil. Surround the seeds with a thin layer of dirt. Celery seeds want to be planted in shallow layers. Thin out or prick out celery seeds into separate pots once they begin to sprout and grow big enough. You can plant the celery in your garden after the temperature outside consistently rises over 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Remember that celery is particularly temperature sensitive, so don’t plant it out too soon or it will die or weaken. Plant your celery where it will receive six hours of sun, preferably somewhere that the plant will receive shade during the warmest portion of the day, unless you reside in an area where growing celery plants is recommended. Additionally, make sure the soil is fertile where you plan to grow celery. For healthy growth, celery needs a lot of nutrients. A celery plant in growth requires a lot of water. Don’t forget to water them and keep the soil uniformly moist. Celery cannot withstand any form of drought. The taste of the celery will suffer if the ground isn’t maintained continuously moist. In order to meet the celery plant’s nutrient requirements, you’ll also need to fertilise frequently.
12. Garlic
In the autumn, about a month before the first frost, garlic should be planted. Garlic harvesting is not a precise science. It will grow steadily over the next nine months or more, producing a sizable harvest by mid-spring or summer. Although it may seem strange for a plant that largely grows underground, garlic adores sunlight. Plant your garlic in a location that receives direct sunshine for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours every day to give it the best chance of growing successfully. Starting with nutrient-rich soil is among the most critical components in cultivating garlic successfully. It should have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, be moist but well-draining, and be both. After planting, it’s beneficial to add a layer of mulch to the soil to protect the bulbs, retain moisture, and inhibit weed growth. According to its laid-back nature, garlic doesn’t need a lot of water. It like moist soil in general and should have about an inch of water each week, with a little more if the weather is really warm. Keep the soil evenly moist for the early part of the season for growing, but allow the soil to dry out for two to three weeks before to harvesting since mould can develop if the weather is too wet right before harvest. When producing garlic, fertiliser application can be advantageous. When you plant your garlic in the fall, incorporate a slow-release organic fertiliser blend into the soil. The soil around your seedlings should then be fertilised with a fertiliser combination high in nitrogen once the leaves start to sprout in the spring.
13. Kohlrabi
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After the final spring hard frost, sow kohlrabi seeds directly in the ground, or sow them in the autumn so that they can be harvested before the first hard freeze. With one inch between each seed, firmly press the earth between the seeds. Rows should be spaced 12 inches apart when planting in rows. In order to swell and acquire its distinctive flavour, kohlrabi needs a full day of sunlight. You might be able to plant this early-season crop next to deciduous trees that haven’t yet begun to leaf out because it grows quickly. Despite not being a root vegetable, kohlrabi prefers the same moist, rich soil that you would give carrots or radishes. Kohlrabi bulbs with sensitive, non-pitted flesh can be grown on raised beds or by double digging. Water kohlrabi frequently, which should be easy in cold spring or fall soils. Usually, it requires one inch of rain or weekly irrigation. Water each time with compost tea for an increase in nutrients. Kohlrabi thrives in chilly climates, like many cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Kohlrabi has finished growing by the time summertime arrives. Warm weather will cause plants that you did not get around to harvesting to bolt, or blossom. The kohlrabi is a big eater. Instead of adding chemical fertilisers, it is preferable to consistently feed the plants by enhancing the soil with nutrients that increase tilth. When planting, add manure, and until harvest, side-dress rows with compost.
14. Turmeric
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Grow Turmeric in the garden in the summer, then dig up the rhizomes in the autumn to preserve indoors for the winter. In this situation, you would remove the top growth and keep them somewhere cool and dry. Peat moss, sawdust, and vermiculite are the most popular storage options for gardeners. Throughout the winter, spray the storage medium every so often to maintain a little moisture level. Grow it in a pot that can be left outside in the summer and brought inside in the autumn until the weather warms up again. For every 6 to 8 inches of rhizome, a 14 to 18-inch pot or planter is required, along with enough soil for potting to fill it. But initially, it’s easier to sprout the rhizomes in smaller containers. Once they’ve developed a few leaves and are developing normally, you may then transplant them to the larger containers. Give your turmeric plant ample sun if you live in the far north. It is more prudent to provide it with some afternoon shade the further south you are. Rich soil is preferred by turmeric. To accomplish this, compost and/or manure should be added. Also important is how well the earth drains. The plant turmeric may grow in moist soil. Make sure that the soil there is never allowed to dry out. Water requirements for turmeric are thought to be above normal. Feed turmeric every month because it requires a lot of nutrients. It works best with an all-purpose liquid fertiliser.
15. Ginger
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Any sunny area with no frost will support ginger growth. It’s best to utilise a greenhouse or conservatory. A whole piece of ginger can be placed in a pot or divided into smaller pieces, but make sure each one has at least two “eyes” from which branches can grow. If you cut the ginger, let the cuts heal for a few days so they calluses. Place the ginger on the surface of a seed tray or pot that has been partially filled with compost, eyes upward. Leave the eyes visible and cover the ginger root with a few centimetres of compost. The ginger root is going to have grown roots and shoots after a few weeks. Lift it out of the seed tray with care, place it in the compost pot, and carefully cover it with 5 cm of compost. Verify that the stem is visible at the top. Firm gently, water thoroughly, and let drain. Keep your ginger plant warm and partially shaded while it grows, and water it frequently, making sure the compost is very slightly moist. As the stem develops, top it off with more compost. Your ginger plant can be potted up and grown indoors or even outside during the summer, just be careful not to expose it to chilly winds. If you are growing ginger outside, bring it inside once the outside temperatures starting to fall in the fall. In the late summer, the ginger plant will cease growing leaves. Following this, or prior to the initial frosts if growing outside, harvest the roots.
16. Jerusalem Artichoke
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Jerusalem artichokes are easily grown in places of your garden where most fussy crops won’t flourish. The plants can readily take over a whole bed due to their rapid tuber spread and height growth. Think about setting aside a bed for sunchokes only. Verify that they won’t shade neighbouring crops and think about using a root barriers to prevent their spread to undesirable locations. If you do plant them alongside other vegetables, rhubarb and maize make nice companion plants, but don’t plant them next to tomatoes. Because of their height and durability, they can serve as an effective windbreak for more delicate plants. Jerusalem artichokes may thrive in either direct sunlight or light shade. The best yield will be produced if they receive no less than 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These root vegetables can thrive in almost any soil; however the yield is not as outstanding, they have been reported to produce harvests in thick clay soils. They simply won’t stand being in wet conditions. They do, however, thrive in soils that are loose, well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic. Once established, and sunchokes can withstand dry spells. But during the growing season, a frequent and even weekly watering regimen is advised, especially when they are establishing. A good yield can be ensured with one inch of water weekly. For the most part, Jerusalem artichokes do not require fertiliser. To ensure a large harvest if the soil isn’t fertile, add a bit of organic matter.
17. Taro
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Growing taro in a container is another method to enjoy this beautiful plant without the need for a pond or wetlands. It won’t work to try to plant taro in an area outside which never floods or just floods periodically since taro grows in water and has to be consistently wet. If you are growing taro indoors, be ready for some mess since it may be messy when grown in containers. This plant can survive outside in zones 9 to 11. A taro plant may be kept in a five-gallon bucket as there are no holes for drainage in it. Taro is a heavy feeder, so use soil that is rich and add fertiliser if necessary. Almost to the top of the bucket, fill it with soil. The final 2 inches (5 cm) of the surface should be covered with stones or gravel to help deter mosquitoes. After placing the taro in the soil and adding the pebble layer, apply water to the bucket. Add more when the water level falls. Choose the location of your potted taro plants carefully as they require warmth and light. Remember that nurseries frequently only sell decorative or ornamental taro, so you might need to look for plants online if you want to grow it so you can eat the tubers. A edible tuber won’t start to grow for at least six months. If you have a tuber, you can also develop a plant from it, just like you’d do with a potato. Taro might be regarded as invasive where you live, therefore it’s a good idea to limit your cultivation to containers.
18. Daikon
“fresh-pulled daikon” (CC BY-NC 2.0) by l e o j
Similar to traditional radish varieties, daikon radishes can be grown, although they often require more room and longer time to mature. Radishes need frequent watering, full sun to partial shade, and for their growth. For optimal results, use drip irrigation and mulch around plants with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer to retain moisture. Additionally, radishes thrive in temperatures lower than 27 C (80 F). As soon as you can work the soil in the spring, you can plant these radishes. Consistent planting every 10 to 14 days will provide crops that are consecutive. Daikon radishes should be planted in the same areas as warm-season vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, or squash, just like other radishes. Unless you reside in a temperate zone, you may also grow radishes in the winter with the help of a cold frame or another form of protection if you want them to be ripe in the spring. Place the seeds 6 inches (15 cm) apart and 34 inch (2 cm) deep. Row spacing should be 3 feet (91 cm) to allow for mature spread. The plants take 60 to 70 days to reach maturity.
19. Salsify
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Salsify is typically planted in the spring, one to two weeks before the final date of your local frost. To prevent bolting and to ensure a delicious winter harvest, salsify can also be planted in warm climates in the autumn. Plant your salsify seeds directly outside in rows that are 12 inches apart and about half an inch deep. Be patient; it could take up to three weeks for seeds to sprout. When your salsify sprouts, thin the plants so that there are four inches between each seedling. Slow-growing salsify can easily be overtaken by weeds that grow quickly. Following germination, surround your salsify seedlings with an organic mulch to avoid this. Salsify is a really simple plant to grow, regardless of whether you are an experienced gardener or are just starting out. You can plant seeds all through the growing season for a continuous yield, or you can sow seeds in the spring or the autumn. Although you can leave roots in the ground until you’re ready to use them, plants need between 100 and 120 days to reach harvestable size. Salsify grows best in full sunlight and needs at least six to eight hours of bright light each day. To keep roots sensitive if you live in a warm environment, place your plants in a part of your garden that gets some afternoon shade. When there is a drought, salsify thrives best when it is consistently and routinely watered. Even watering will enhance the texture of salsify and avoid fibrous and stringy roots. Aim to give your plants 1 to 2 inches of water per week for the best results. As a cool-season crop, salsify can become harsh if cultivated under extreme heat. Plantings in the spring or autumn are advised to prevent this. Similar to other root vegetables, the flavour of salsify may be improved by harvesting the roots after a light frost. When planting, amend the soil with aged manure or compost. To aid in the development of the roots and leaves on your salsify, side treat it with a balanced fertiliser in midsummer.
20. Crosnes
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Crosnes, a type of tiny tuber that has become somewhat of a culinary sensation, are the reason Chinese artichoke plants are grown. Due to their scarcity and expensive cost, these tubers take a long time to harvest and have a very limited shelf life once dug up. Fortunately, planting Chinese artichokes is an easy process. The plants prefer soil that drains well and full sun. But you should mulch the soil and keep it moist. Plant Chinese artichoke far from other plants due to its invasive tendencies. The springtime is the best time to plant the tubers. The development of tubers in Chinese artichoke plants takes roughly five to seven months. They can be picked whenever the plant is dormant in the autumn and winter. Frost may cut off the top growth, but the tubers can be left underground for later harvest because they are fairly resistant. Like you would with potatoes, lift the tubers. Although finding every tuber is nearly impossible, any that are missed will grow the following season. Growing Chinese artichokes is really easy, and because they are perennials, they will give the gardener years of tasty tubers. At the time of harvest, the plant’s size can be slowed down by simply plucking it up, despite the fact that it can be invasive.
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