Half the battle of having a strong root vegetable garden in the spring is knowing when to plant. Start too early, your plants won’t survive past July; start too late, they won’t be able to establish a solid root system before the fall.
Planting root vegetables requires a bit more attention, because, unlike flowers and greens, root vegetables need to be fully rooted in the soil to flourish.
Get a head start and learn which root vegetables to plant now so you can enjoy a plentiful harvest later.
Radishes, Turnips and Beets
All three of these vegetables do well in colder weather, so the earlier you plant the better. These crops should be placed directly in the soil two weeks into spring. What is most important to these veggies is a solid foundation for their roots to ensure strong, healthy growth.
Carrots
While carrots are not uncommon to plant in the spring, they are a bit more complex when it comes to timing. Spring frost can hinder growth, so it’s best to plant in mid-April. Also, don’t plant seeds too deep; they need about ¼ of an inch of soil to assure roots will be properly secured. Also, keep in mind to layer carrots with a protective covering, as many insects like to burrow near the root, which can cause them to rot.
Onions
As one of the toughest vegetables in the root family, onions can withstand cold spring mornings and even frost. Onions should be planted in pairs and should be in the ground by early April. Unlike some root vegetables, cooler temperatures actually give onions the push they need to grow.
Potatoes
This cool-weather crop should be planted two weeks after the last frost. Depending on your location, this will either be mid- or late April, as potatoes start growing when the soil is between 60 and 70 degrees. It’s important to note potatoes do not grow well in hot temperatures, which is why they need to be planted in early spring to help ensure the most optimal harvest.
To ensure root vegetables are planted in a healthy, workable environment, it’s best to use a tiller like the Super Bronco CRT to break down soil and incorporate compost that’ll help with root development by adding necessary nutrients for growth.
