21 Root Vegetables: A Complete Beginner’s Growing Guide

Q: What makes a vegetable a root crop?

A vegetable is considered a root crop when the part we eat grows underground and stores energy for the plant . This includes true roots (like carrots and beets), bulbs (like garlic and onions), and other underground structures such as tubers and rhizomes.

Q: Are root vegetables easy to grow for beginners?

Yes , many root vegetables are beginner-friendly . Crops like garlic , radishes , beets , and turnips are reliable and don’t require constant attention. As long as the soil is loose, well-drained, and watered consistently, most root vegetables grow well even for first-time gardeners.

Q: How deep does soil need to be for root vegetables?

Soil depth depends on the crop . Short-rooted vegetables like radishes and garlic can grow in 6-8 inches of soil, while longer roots such as carrots, parsnips, and daikon need 10-12 inches or more . Deeper, loose soil allows roots to grow straight and reach their full size.

Q: Why do carrots and other roots grow forked or misshapen?

Forked or twisted roots are usually caused by compacted soil, rocks, or undecomposed organic matter like fresh manure. When roots hit obstacles underground, they split or change direction. Preparing soil carefully before planting helps prevent this problem.

Q: How long do root vegetables take to grow?

Growth time varies by crop . Radishes can be ready in as little as 30 days, while beets and carrots usually take 60-90 days . Garlic and parsnips are slow growers and may take several months. Checking the expected days to maturity helps set realistic expectations.

Q: Do root vegetables need a lot of fertilizer?

Root vegetables generally need less fertilizer than leafy crops . Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth instead of root development. A balanced soil rich in organic matter is usually enough, with light feeding if growth seems slow.

Q: When should root vegetables be harvested?

Most root vegetables are ready when the tops reach mature size and the root begins to show at the soil surface . Some crops, like carrots and beets, can be harvested at different sizes depending on preference. Garlic and onions are harvested when the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Q: How should root vegetables be stored after harvest?

Most root vegetables store best in cool, dark, and dry conditions . Garlic and onions need to be cured first in a dry, well-ventilated area. Carrots, beets, and turnips can be stored in the refrigerator or a root cellar to extend freshness.

Q: Are potatoes considered root vegetables?

Potatoes are commonly grouped with root vegetables because they grow underground, but they are technically tubers, not true roots. Tubers are swollen underground stems used for storage, while true roots grow directly from the plant’s root system.

Root vegetables are some of the most dependable crops you can grow in a home garden. They grow underground, store nutrients in their roots, bulbs, or tubers, and often need less daily attention than above-ground vegetables. Once planted, many root crops quietly do their work below the soil until harvest time.

When soil conditions are right and watering is consistent, most root vegetables grow reliably without constant attention. Many also store for months after harvest, making them especially valuable for gardeners who want long-lasting homegrown food.

Root vegetables are often among the first crops gardeners try when learning the basics of vegetable gardening.

What Are Root Vegetables?

Root vegetables are crops that are grown primarily for the edible parts that develop underground. These can be true roots, bulbs, or other underground plant structures that store energy for the plant.

In gardening, many underground crops are grouped as root vegetables even though they’re technically different plant structures.

Simple Definition

Root vegetables include:

Edible roots (like carrots and beets)
Bulbs (like garlic and onions)
Underground stems or storage structures (like potatoes)

How Root Vegetables Differ from Other Vegetables

Root vegetables develop underground and are harvested by digging or pulling them from the soil.
Leafy vegetables are grown for their leaves and are harvested above ground (lettuce, spinach, kale).
Fruiting vegetables are grown for flowers or fruits that form above ground (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers).

Why Soil Matters More for Root Vegetables

Because the edible portion grows underground:

Soil texture directly affects shape and size
Compacted or rocky soil can deform roots
Soil depth limits how large roots can grow

Unlike leafy or fruiting vegetables, root crops respond immediately to soil problems because the harvestable portion is in constant contact with the soil.

If roots can’t grow freely, they won’t develop properly.

Why Soil Depth Matters

Shallow soil limits:

Carrot length
Parsnip development
Beet and rutabaga size

Deeper, loose soil allows roots to grow straight and strong.

Common Examples of Root Vegetables

You’ll see root vegetables like:

Carrots
Garlic
Beets
Onions
Potatoes

These are some of the most common root crops grown by beginners because they’re widely available, adaptable, and easy to store.

Types of Root Vegetables

Not all root vegetables are the same. Understanding the differences helps you grow them better.

Root vegetables fall into several categories based on how they store energy underground.

True Root Vegetables

Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Turnips
Parsnips
Rutabaga
Daikon
Cassava
Jicama

They need deep, loose, stone-free soil to grow straight and full-sized.

Bulb Vegetables (Alliums)

Bulbs are made of layered leaf bases that swell underground to store energy.

Garlic
Onions
Shallots
Leeks

Bulb size depends more on spacing, day length, and timing than soil depth.

Tuber Vegetables

These are swollen underground stems that store nutrients, not true roots. Sweet potatoes are botanically different from potatoes, but both are grown as tubers in home gardens.

Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Yam

They grow along the stem, so hilling soil matters more than depth alone.

Other Underground Stem Types

Rhizomes

Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that spread and produce new shoots.

Ginger
Turmeric

They need warm soil, long seasons, and loose growing space to expand sideways.

Corms

Corms are short, solid underground stems that store energy for regrowth.

Celeriac

They grow shallow and wide, not deep, so spacing is more important than depth.

Swollen Stem Vegetables

These crops are grown for thickened stems that form at or just above soil level.

Kohlrabi
Fennel

They need consistent moisture and space, but not deep soil.

This classification prevents confusion and helps gardeners understand why care requirements vary. Although these crops are grouped as “root vegetables,” they grow in very different ways, which is why soil preparation matters so much.

Common Root Vegetables to Grow at Home

Below are some of the most popular root vegetables for home gardens.

Vegetable	Description	Growing Focus
Garlic	Hardy bulb grown from individual cloves	Bulb
Carrots	Sweet taproots that prefer loose, stone-free soil	Root
Beets	Dual-purpose crop grown for roots and edible greens	Root
Radishes	Fast-growing roots ideal for quick harvests	Root
Turnips	Cool-season roots grown for bulbs and greens	Root
Onions	Bulb vegetable grown from seed, sets, or transplants	Bulb
Shallots	Small clustered bulbs with mild flavor	Bulb
Leeks	Thick stems grown for their mild onion flavor	Bulb / Stem
Potatoes	Underground tubers grown from seed potatoes	Tuber
Sweet potatoes	Warm-season tubers grown from slips	Tuber
Parsnips	Long roots that sweeten after frost	Root
Rutabaga	Large, cold-tolerant root for storage	Root
Daikon	Large Asian radish with mild, crisp flesh	Root
Kohlrabi	Swollen stem grown just above soil level	Stem / Root Hybrid
Celeriac	Knobby root grown for flavor, not appearance	Root
Fennel (bulb)	Swollen stem base with mild licorice flavor	Bulb
Ginger	Tropical crop grown for spreading rhizomes	Rhizome
Turmeric	Warm-season crop grown for underground rhizomes	Rhizome
Jicama	Crisp, edible root grown in warm climates	Root
Cassava	Tropical root crop grown in hot regions	Root
Yam	Large tropical tuber with long growing season	Tuber

Best Root Vegetables for Beginners

Garlic – forgiving, low maintenance
Beets – fast, dual-purpose
Radishes – very fast results
Turnips – easy and flexible

These crops tolerate minor mistakes, germinate reliably, and produce usable harvests even in less-than-perfect conditions.

How Root Vegetables Grow (General Guide)

Although different root crops vary, they share many growth patterns.

Root Development Underground

After germination:

Leaves grow above ground
Energy is sent to the root
The root enlarges gradually over time

Disturbing roots early can reduce final size. In my experience, even light tugging or replanting can noticeably reduce final root size.

Importance of Loose, Stone-Free Soil

Rocks and compacted soil cause:

Forked carrots
Misshapen beets
Small or split bulbs

Preparing soil properly before planting is essential.

Growth Timeline

Fast growers: radishes, turnips (30-45 days)
Moderate growers: beets, carrots (60-90 days)
Slow growers: parsnips, garlic (90-180 days)

Why Thinning Matters

Crowded plants compete underground for space and nutrients.

Thinning allows:

Reduced competition and improved root spacing
Larger roots
More even growth

Best Soil for Root Vegetables

Soil quality matters more for root crops than most vegetables.

Ideal Soil Texture

Loose
Deep
Well-drained

Roots need room to expand.

Why Compacted Soil Causes Problems

Compaction leads to:

Forked roots
Poor bulb formation
Increased disease risk

Organic Matter

Helpful additions:

Finished compost
Leaf mold

Avoid:

Fresh manure (causes excessive leaf growth)
Heavy clay without amendment

Soil pH

Most root vegetables prefer:

pH between 6.0 and 7.0

Helpful guides:

Where to Grow Root Vegetables

Some root crops prefer cool weather (carrots, beets), while others require warmth (sweet potatoes, ginger).

In-ground gardens

Best for:

Carrots
Parsnips
Daikon
Rutabaga

Few depth limitations.

Raised Beds

Raised beds offer:

Better drainage
Easier soil control
Warmer soil in spring

Helpful resource:

Raised bed gardening for vegetables

Containers

Containers work well for:

Garlic
Beets
Short carrots
Kohlrabi
Fennel
Celeriac
Ginger
Turmeric

Choose containers:

At least 12-18 inches deep
With good drainage

Common Problems With Root Vegetables

Forked or Misshapen Roots

Caused by:

Rocks
Compacted soil
Fresh manure

Small Bulbs

Often due to:

Crowding
Poor soil fertility
Incorrect planting time

Poor Germination

Common with:

Carrots
Parsnips

Keep soil evenly moist during germination.

Pest Damage Underground

Includes:

Wireworms
Root maggots
Grubs

Rotation and healthy soil help reduce damage.

Rot and Fungal Issues

Often caused by:

Poor drainage
Overwatering

Watering and Feeding Root Crops

Consistent Watering

Root crops need:

Even moisture
No long dry spells

Overwatering vs Underwatering

Root crops tolerate slightly dry soil better than soggy soil.

Too much water causes rot
Too little water causes woody roots

When to Reduce Watering

Before harvest:

Reduce watering for garlic and onions
Helps cure bulbs

Nitrogen Balance

Too much nitrogen causes:

Leaf growth
Small roots

Harvesting and Storing Root Vegetables

When Roots are Ready

Signs include:

Mature leaf size
Days to maturity reached
Root tops visible at soil surface

Harvesting Techniques

Loosen soil gently
Pull carefully
Avoid damaging skins

Curing Bulbs

Garlic and onions need curing:

Warm
Dry
Good airflow

Storage Basics

Most root vegetables store best in:

Cool conditions
Dry environments
Darkness

Root Vegetable Growing Guides

Use these guides when you’re ready to grow individual root crops with step-by-step instructions.

Root Vegetable Guides

Garlic – Complete growing guides covering how to grow garlic, care, harvesting, and common problems
Carrots – (Growing guide coming soon)
Beets – (Growing guide coming soon)
Onions – (Growing guide coming soon)
Potatoes – (Growing guide coming soon)

Important Clarification

Not everything that grows underground is technically a “root.”

Potatoes are tubers, not true roots
Ginger and turmeric are rhizomes

They’re still commonly grouped with root vegetables in gardening because they’re grown and harvested underground.

Conclusion

Root vegetables reward patience. With the right soil, steady watering, and minimal disturbance, they quietly develop underground until harvest. For beginners, they’re a reliable way to build confidence and enjoy long-lasting homegrown food.

Start with one or two root crops, focus on soil preparation, and expand as you gain experience. Over time, root vegetables often become one of the most dependable parts of a beginner’s garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a vegetable a root crop?

A vegetable is considered a root crop when the part we eat grows underground and stores energy for the plant. This includes true roots (like carrots and beets), bulbs (like garlic and onions), and other underground structures such as tubers and rhizomes.

Are root vegetables easy to grow for beginners?

Yes, many root vegetables are beginner-friendly. Crops like garlic, radishes, beets, and turnips are reliable and don’t require constant attention. As long as the soil is loose, well-drained, and watered consistently, most root vegetables grow well even for first-time gardeners.

How deep does soil need to be for root vegetables?

Soil depth depends on the crop. Short-rooted vegetables like radishes and garlic can grow in 6-8 inches of soil, while longer roots such as carrots, parsnips, and daikon need 10-12 inches or more. Deeper, loose soil allows roots to grow straight and reach their full size.

Can root vegetables be grown in containers?

Yes, many root vegetables grow well in containers if the pot is deep enough. Garlic, beets, short carrot varieties, kohlrabi, ginger, and turmeric are good choices for containers. Always use pots with drainage holes and fill them with loose, well-draining soil.

Why do carrots and other roots grow forked or misshapen?

Forked or twisted roots are usually caused by compacted soil, rocks, or undecomposed organic matter like fresh manure. When roots hit obstacles underground, they split or change direction. Preparing soil carefully before planting helps prevent this problem.

How long do root vegetables take to grow?

Growth time varies by crop. Radishes can be ready in as little as 30 days, while beets and carrots usually take 60-90 days. Garlic and parsnips are slow growers and may take several months. Checking the expected days to maturity helps set realistic expectations.

Do root vegetables need a lot of fertilizer?

Root vegetables generally need less fertilizer than leafy crops. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth instead of root development. A balanced soil rich in organic matter is usually enough, with light feeding if growth seems slow.

When should root vegetables be harvested?

Most root vegetables are ready when the tops reach mature size and the root begins to show at the soil surface. Some crops, like carrots and beets, can be harvested at different sizes depending on preference. Garlic and onions are harvested when the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

How should root vegetables be stored after harvest?

Most root vegetables store best in cool, dark, and dry conditions. Garlic and onions need to be cured first in a dry, well-ventilated area. Carrots, beets, and turnips can be stored in the refrigerator or a root cellar to extend freshness.

Are potatoes considered root vegetables?

Potatoes are commonly grouped with root vegetables because they grow underground, but they are technically tubers, not true roots. Tubers are swollen underground stems used for storage, while true roots grow directly from the plant’s root system.