The 12 Must-Grow Root Vegetables for Your Garden

Root vegetables are a garden’s buried treasure. Not only are they highly nutritious, but they also store well and can be used in various culinary applications, from roasting to juicing. Here are 12 root vegetables you should consider planting in your garden for a rewarding harvest.

Carrots

Carrots are not just versatile in the kitchen; they also offer versatility in the garden. From short stubby types suitable for clay-heavy soils to lengthy slender varieties that thrive in sandier soils, there’s a carrot for every garden. The greens can also be used in salads and garnish, giving you a zero-waste vegetable that’s easy to integrate into your daily meals.

Potatoes

Potatoes offer incredible diversity with numerous varieties, including Russet, Yukon Gold, and fingerling potatoes. They can also be grown unconventionally, like in a stack of tires or a tall bag, making them suitable for small-space gardening. Rotating your potato crops to prevent soil diseases like potato blight is crucial, adding another layer to your gardening strategy.

Beets

Beets can tolerate shade, making them an excellent option for gardens with partial sun. You can plant them in both spring and late summer, as they resist frost, allowing for two potential harvests a year. In addition to their antioxidant properties, beets can help improve soil quality by breaking up compacted earth with their sturdy roots.

Turnips

These cruciferous vegetables offer a harvestable root and leafy greens rich in vitamins and minerals. Plant turnips every two weeks throughout the growing season for a consistent harvest. They’re also valuable as a cover crop to improve soil quality, adding another benefit to your gardening endeavors.