10 Best Growing Root Vegetables Successfully in Garden

A root vegetable is any lower portion of a plant that humans eat. Root veggies are naturally gluten-free and high in vitamins A, C, potassium, and fiber. Root vegetables (also known as tubers or bulbs) such as carrots, beets, turnips, and onions are typically easy to grow, but a few issues can arise. Because the yummy part grows underground and out of sight, you will notice a problem once you harvest it.

The first step is to create a sturdy raised bed or seedbed. Begin picking weeds and thinning the grass as soon as the earth thaws in the early spring. You can also plant as the weather cools down in late summer. The best thing about them is that they can easily grow. In this blog post, we listed the best 10 root vegetables that are perfect for growing in your garden.

What are root vegetables?

Root veggies grow in the ground. They are hidden gems simply waiting to be uncovered! These plants are delicious and nutritious because they store food in their roots. In addition, their hues are often the most vibrant! Carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are just a handful of the vegetables available.

Types of Root Vegetables

How do different root vegetables grow? Let us take a closer look at this subject.

Stem tubers and root tubers: Vegetables cultivated underground save food for dry or cold months. This category contains potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams. Plant them in a grow bag or flowerbed. They merely require wet, sandy soil that drains properly.

Rhizomes: Rhizomes are root stems that extend like runners over the ground. They are also known as “creeping rootstalks.” There’s ginger, turmeric, and bamboo to consider. Rhizomes thrive on elevated beds because their runner roots cannot reach adjacent plants.

Taproots: A taproot is thick at one end and thins off at the other until it reaches a point. Examples of this type of vegetable include carrots, beets, and turnips. Taproots thrive in loose, rock-free dirt.

Bulbs: Some may argue otherwise, but root vegetables are typically thought of as vegetables with bulbs, such as garlic, onions, and leeks. Combined with the fact that they grow somewhat below ground, their layers qualify them as “root vegetables.” For them to thrive, the dirt must be able to drain properly.

Corms: Plants with deep roots that store food underground, such as arrowhead, taro, and water chestnuts, can withstand drought and cold temperatures. They resemble bulbs in some respects but differ in others.

10 Best Root Garden Vegetables You Need to Grow

Here are 10 root vegetables that are perfect for growing in your garden.

1. Carrots

Carrots grow best in chilly weather, so plant them early to mid-summer. They are an excellent source of vitamin A and potassium and have a crisp texture. Lots of sandy, loose soil is ideal for carrots since it helps plants grow straight. Avoid hard dirt if you want straight carrots—plant in the spring or late summer to harvest food in the fall.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes come in a variety of colours, including brown, red, yellow, and purple. They’re one of the most beneficial foods, containing an abundance of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

The soil should be ready to deal with by early spring so seed potatoes can be planted. It is recommended that these plants be watered regularly and that the soil drains properly.

3. Garlic

Garlic is an annual plant that every home gardener should grow because it can be used in cooking and healing. It can be used at various phases of development and is also easy to cultivate.

Gardeners frequently plant garlic in the fall to harvest the bulbs in the summer. If you replant a few garlic bulbs after harvest, they will sprout again the following year.

4. Onions

Onions can be grown from seeds, transplants, or sets (small bulbs). They are used in a variety of recipes worldwide. They are easy to grow, although they require some effort when first planted. Transplants are the quickest and easiest technique for growing plants. Onions are easy to maintain for plants that require a long growing season.

5. Beets

Beet roots and greens are well-known for their health benefits. Because they grow so quickly, the food tastes best when harvested fresh. The entire plant is edible. You may roast it or mix it into a salad until it is soft and delicious. The soil should drain adequately and be irrigated regularly.

6. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, with some varieties ready in as little as three weeks. They provide a peppery kick to dishes and salads. Radishes thrive best in cooler, well-drained soil, ranging from sunny to slightly shaded.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes require a long, warm growth season because they are high in vitamin A and quite tasty. After the last frost, plant the slips in full sun on sandy, well-drained soil.

Put a tiny sweet potato in a glass or jar with water at one end to help your slips grow quickly. Within a month, the potato’s eyes will sprout new leaves. Remove the new plant from the potato, leaving a small portion of the potato at the other end. You can plant seeds in 4-inch pots or directly in the ground.

8. Turnips

Turnip roots can be eaten raw or cooked. The young, velvety roots are delicious. They contain a lot of vitamin C. Plant turnip seeds in the spring or late summer for a fall harvest. They thrive in full sun, damp soil, and mulched environments. Remove the younger turnips to create room for the larger ones, then mulch them.

9. Ginger

If the weather is favourable, you could plant ginger. This root can be utilized for numerous purposes. Its robust, spicy, sweet flavour pairs well with tea. Ginger is an excellent plant for cultivating in pots or containers with little yard space.

10. Rutabagas

Rutabagas have a sweet and slightly spicy taste because they combine turnips and cabbage. Their yellow meat can be crunchy and acidic when raw, but it can become buttery when cooked. They are bigger than turnips.

They are easy to grow, need little space, and resist pests. However, they require at least 90 days to mature, so if your growing season is short, start them early. Plant seeds in late spring in nutrient-rich soil that receives plenty of sunlight. You can collect them in the autumn. If you water them and maintain them weed-free, you can pick them up when they are 4 to 6 inches wide in the fall.

7 Tips for a Growing Root Vegetable

Root vegetables can be a rewarding addition to your garden but require specific care. Follow these tips for optimal growth:

1. Create Ideal Growing Conditions: Raised beds provide better soil control, which is essential for root vegetables. Opt for sandy loam or peat soil, ensuring it’s loose and well-drained for root expansion. Clay soil is less suitable.
2. Conduct a Soil Test: Determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Aim for a pH between 6 and 7. Use organic fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium to support root development.
3. Thin Your Seedlings: Thinning seedlings out gives them ample space to grow, encouraging larger and healthier root development.
4. Time Your Planting: Most root vegetables prefer cool weather, but some thrive in the heat. Plan accordingly. Beets, radishes, carrots, and turnips are cool-weather favourites. Potatoes enjoy excellent conditions, while sweet potatoes need a long, hot growing season. Onions and garlic can be planted in the fall for a spring harvest.
5. Maximize Sunlight: Ensure your root vegetables receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
6. Utilize Companion Planting: Deter pests by planting companion plants that attract beneficial insects or repel harmful ones. For example, cilantro attracts predators of potato beetles, while chives and garlic deter carrot root flies.
7. Proper Storage: After harvesting, remove the leaves to prevent moisture loss from the root. Store root vegetables in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

FAQs

Q. Can we be growing root vegetables in containers?

Raised beds are ideal for growing plants in containers or regions with poor or rocky soil.

Q. List of vegetables that grow underground?

List of root vegetables that can grow underground are as follows:

• Potatoes
• Beets
• Parsnips
• Carrots
• Celeriac
• Sweet Potatoes
• Jicama
• Yams
• Horseradish
• Onions
• Leeks
• Salsify
• Parsnips
• Turnips 

Q. What Vegetables Can Be Planted Now?

 The vegetables that can be planted now include lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, carrots, beets, Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash and corn.

Q. What Root Vegetables Need to Grow

Most root vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also don’t like soggy soil, so regular watering is essential.

Q. What is the best fertilizer for carrots and beets?

High phosphorus and potassium content are the balanced fertilizer for carrots and beets.