Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Many root vegetables require a lot of space, need a long growing time, and are difficult to grow. Thankfully this isn’t true for all of them. In fact, some are as easy to grow as potatoes. While you have grown potatoes before, here is your go-to guide on how to grow root veggies for allotment.
5 Root Veggies for Allotment
Grow these wonderful root vegetables throughout the British gardening season affordably on beds, borders, and in containers.
Radish
This vegetable is a strong contender to be the ‘easiest to grow. You’ll often find packages that are branded for children in an attempt to get them to become gardeners. After four months, your little radishes should be ready for harvest.
Radish Plant Care
Light
Radish plants require full sunlight. This means at least six hours of direct sun on most days. Radishes that are too shaded will produce more energy for root growth than leaf growth.
Soil
Radishes thrive in sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained and has a pH of 0.5 to 1.0. Because roots will not grow well in heavy soil or compacted soil, it is important that the soil isn’t too dense.
Water
Radish plants need approximately 1 inch of water each week. Too dry soil can lead to a bolt (go back to seed). This can ruin the flavor of the radishes and make them taste bitter. Soil that is too wet can cause roots to split and rot. Mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Radishes prefer temperatures between 4-21°C. The plants can become brittle and lose their quality in hot weather. They can become hardy and woody, or spongy with hollow centers. The bulb will stop forming once the radish bolts are removed. As long as the soil is moistened and there is good airflow around the plants, humidity is not usually an issue.
Fertilizer
You don’t usually need to fertilize radishes if you have rich soil. You can improve the soil by adding compost to the soil before you plant.
Turnip
We think the turnip is unfairly viewed as a comedy vegetable. They are similar to a pumped-up radish in that they have the same peppery flavor but take longer to mature and they can take several weeks before they are ready. They can be picked when they are about the same size as a golf ball.
Turnip Plant Care
Light
Turnips are best in full sunlight but can be adapted to part shade.
Soil
Turnips like slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. They will grow faster if the soil is fertile. Soil should be well-drained to prevent roots from rotting.
Water
Good root development requires at least 1 inch of water each week. Regular water and rich soil will allow turnips to grow quickly. The roots are more pungent if they are kept dry, but the best taste is achieved when the water is uniform.
Temperature and Humidity
Cool weather in spring and autumn are best for turnips.
Fertilizer
Because they grow quickly, you don’t have to fertilize them. Before you sow your seeds, make sure that the soil contains plenty of organic matter.
Beetroot
This ruddy root is a more popular vegetable than the turnip. It can be grown and harvested the same way as the turnip. The tops are edible, and the young leaves make great salads.
Beet Plant Care
Light
Beets thrive in full sunlight, which means that they need at least six hours of direct sun each day. They can tolerate light shade, however.
Soil
It is best to have light, rich, and well-drained soil that has a pH between slightly acidic and neutral. You should get rid of all clay, rocks, weeds, and other substances that could interfere with root development. Blackheart is a condition in which beets develop deformed leaves and black spots. As a soil amendment, you can add boron to your soil by adding seaweed extract or compost.
Water
Every week, give at least 1 inch of water. Mulching helps to prevent the soil from drying out or getting too hot.
Temperature and Humidity
Although they aren’t as cold-tolerant as other cool-season vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, beets can tolerate light frost. Ideal temperatures are between 10 and 30°C. Humidity is not usually an issue, as long as the soil is properly moistened and there is enough air circulation around plants to inhibit fungal growth.
Fertilizer
Supplemental feeding may be required if your soil lacks organic matter. This will happen approximately two weeks after the beets appear. Follow the label instructions to use any good vegetable fertilizer.
Parsnip
This sweet winter vegetable is a favorite of ours. It’s great for roasting and making some of the finest homemade wine. Parsnips grow slowly so they sow in late February or early March (under the fleece, if frosts are forecast), and wait. Although germination can sometimes be unpredictable, once they are established, there is not much to worry about.
Parsnip Plant Care
Light
Parsnips like full sunlight. This means that they need at least six to eight hours of direct sun on most days. They can tolerate some shade.
Soil
The ideal soil conditions include deep, rich, loamy soils with sharp drainage. Parsnips like slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Good root growth can be achieved by losing the soil about a foot below the surface.
Water
Regular moisture is important for root growth. It should be at least one inch per week. Water slowly and deeply. In order to avoid root damage, it is important to water slowly and deeply. But, ensure that the soil is not too dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Average temperatures between 7-21°C are ideal for parsnips. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -1°C at the beginning and the end of their growing season. When it comes to humidity, parsnips don’t have a preference.
Fertilizer
Mix in a few inches of compost to the soil when you plant. Side-dress the soil with compost during midseason.
Carrots
Carrots are easy root veggies for allotment despite the possibility of carrot root fly infestation. If you do have issues with carrot root flies, you will find it more frustrating than anything else. They are easy to grow, aside from the pests. There are varieties that can grow very quickly, while others can be grown in large pots. This allows you to keep them out of the reach of low-flying flies.
Carrot Plant Care
Light
The carrot roots grow underground but require full sun or partial shade to thrive.
Soil
Carrots require well-drained, loose soil. The carrot roots will split and become deformed if there are clumps or rocks. Carrots are like slightly acidic soil, ranging from 6.0 to 6.8.
Water
Every week, water your carrots with at most one inch of water. Mulching helps conserve water and keeps the soil cool.
Temperature and Humidity
Biennials can be grown in all climates and zones. They grow well and taste the best when temperatures are nightly around 12°C, and daytime at 23°C. Sometimes carrots can be planted in warmer climates as a late winter or fall crop.
Fertilizer
Supplemental feeding may be required if your soil does not contain organic matter. This will happen approximately two weeks after the tops of the carrots appear. You can use any good organic vegetable fertilizer. They are meant to be used for their roots so don’t use a fertilizer that only aids in leaf growth.
Conclusion
Root veggies for allotment are often great as there is no need to maintain certain soil attributes, and some of them can be planted all the way through the growing season. This makes them easy to fit in with other products, and they provide a good source of food in autumn and winter.
