Ground Yourself in Root Veggies: A Guide for Tapping into Nature's Earthy Core
Planting a garden might seem like a warm-season activity, but root vegetables are the exception to this rule. Root veggies thrive in cooler weather and even tolerate frost, so winter isn't just the off-season for gardening—it's prime time for root veggies!
With a container and a sunny spot on your patio or in your backyard, you can grow root veggies with ease. Don't let the idea that large vegetables require a large garden fool you. Root vegetables, even the large ones, do well in pots if given the right conditions.
To get started, get a large, draining container filled with rich, moist potting soil that's laced with fertilizer. Find a sunny spot, give it a thorough soaking once a week, and watch those root veggies grow!
Some top-notch root vegetables for container gardening include carrots, radishes, beets, parsnips, rutabagas, potatoes, and onions. Carrots, for instance, prefer a container depth of at least 12 to 18 inches, while beets need a minimum of 18 inches due to their deeper roots.
Within six to eight weeks of planting, you'll be able to harvest your root veggies. For potatoes, use a long, pointed object to dig in the soil and unearth them. Root veggies like carrots, garlic, and onions can simply be pulled up by the root.
Growing and eating root veggies is a breeze, and they come loaded with essential nutrients like potassium, folate, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. If you're new to cooking with root veggies, give rosemary-roasted root vegetables a try. This winter staple is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen!
Sources:
- [1] Container-Grown Root Vegetables: A Comprehensive Guide. The Spruce, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/container-grown-root-vegetables-4142825
- [2] The Best Veggies to Grow in Pots. The Spruce, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/best-vegetables-for-container-gardening-4135361
- [3] Container Garden Ideas for Vegetables. Modern Farmer, 2018. https://modernfarmer.com/2018/03/container-garden-ideas-vegetables/
- [4] 7 Best Container Veggies to Grow in Small Spaces. Garden Compass, 2019. https://gardencompass.com/best-container-veggies/
- [5] Growing Vegetables in Containers: Top 5 Tips. Gardening Know How, 2019. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ containers/container-gardening/seven-steps.htm
With the right conditions, root vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, and potatoes can be grown easily in containers, even during winter. With a well-draining container filled with rich potting soil and a sunny spot, you can start growing root vegetables right in your home-and-garden. To enhance your food-and-drink options, consider trying out creative recipes featuring these nutritious root vegetables, such as rosemary-roasted root vegetables, a cozy winter staple that's perfect for adding variety to your lifestyle.
