Instead of using garden soil, you can grow root vegetables in containers without making gardening difficult. There are certain varieties that are ideal for this, such as radishes, beets and carrots. Most of them are easy to care for and can produce a bountiful harvest even in planters. In addition, such root crops can also be grown in the balcony garden so that you always have something healthy to hand for your kitchen. Here is some useful information and easy steps you can follow to enjoy your own production.
How to use containers and grow new root vegetables?
Not everyone has their own garden and often has to find alternative ways to harvest fresh fruit and vegetables. Even if you lack space or don't know where to start, theGardening in containersis a great way to do this. This means you can plant different types of vegetables in any free area without much effort. You should only make an effort to provide the growing root crops with as much light as possible and loving plant care. Find a suitable place for this, such as a windowsill or on a balcony railing, where there is a lack of sunlight but also a fair amount of shade.
These are important factors to ensure that your root crops do not become too large or spindly. When malnourished or lacking sunlight, their roots protrude from the ground and do not become bulbous. Also, before planting seeds in containers, make sure the potting soil is well moistened. Once your seeds are in, all you need to do is water so they can germinate faster. However, you shouldn't overdo it with watering at the beginning so that you don't wash the seeds into the soil. Additionally, caution is required when growing new root vegetables from seeds in a container.
Plant beets in a pot or container
Beetroot is a type of vegetable that can grow not only in the garden, but also easily in containers. This root vegetable can therefore thrive in both direct sunlight and partial shade. Otherwise, beets require well-drained soil and regular watering. It's best to orientate yourself on the plant leaves by checking them every now and then. If these look floppy or droopy, it's time to water the plant. When harvesting the root vegetable, you should leave at least 2 inches of the stem attached to the beetroot to ensure it will continue to grow.
How to grow radishes as a root vegetable
As one of the fastest growing root vegetables, radishes are equally suitable as container plants. For this you can use pots with a diameter of only 15 cm. In addition, this root vegetable thrives in direct sunlight, but also in partial shade. As a rule, radishes require loose and well-drained soil, as well as regular watering.
To do this, you need to water the plants lightly once a week. Harvest root crops by pulling them up by the green rather than by the roots. This way you protect the plant for future growth. The harvest time is recommended at a diameter of around five centimeters, although you can also let the plant continue to grow. This allows for a milder taste.
Grow turnips and rutabaga in planters
Like beets, this root vegetable is just as good for youCultivation in containerssuitable. Although beets are easy to find in the store, freshly harvested root crops have a much sweeter taste since the former tend to sit around on the shelves longer. It is also not difficult to grow such varieties yourself in sunlight or partial shade. You also need loose and permeable potting soil and regular watering. When harvesting, cut off the greenery at the base of the plant, leaving about 2 inches of stem hanging. It is best to pull the root with a garden fork if it fits in the palm of your hand. Otherwise, you can grow beets for better flavor.
As for rutabagas, they are more suitable for consumption in cooked dishes, as they may taste slightly bitter when fresh. They prefer the same growing conditions as beets and can be harvested in the same way. However, turnips typically grow much larger than other root vegetables, so you may need a knife when harvesting them. In addition, they can be a little heavier, and you can try to harvest them when the root crops weigh between 0.5 and 1 kilogram.
Carrots can be grown in containers as root vegetables
When it comes to plant care, carrots are also not demanding root vegetables. Similar to the varieties described above, you can use loose and well-drained potting soil. Additionally, carrots prefer soil that they can easily grow into. They grow well in full sun, but also in partial shade if you grow them in containers as root vegetables and water them regularly. However, when harvesting, try to carefully pull the carrots up by the greens rather than by the roots to avoid damaging them. When carrots reach about two inches in diameter, they are ready to harvest, but you can wait longer for a sweeter taste.
