All root crops require loose, well-drained soil in order to grow to their full potential.
Growing Beets
Direct sow 4 weeks after last frost to mid summer. Sow 5-10cm apart in row, 45cm apart, and 1cm deep. Full sun / part shade, cool season Biennial. Ideal soil pH of 6.0-6.8. Germination: 5-12 days. For uniformly sized beets, thin to 7-15cm apart when seedlings are 5cm tall. Harvest at any stage, but for best flavour, pull the beets as soon as they reach full size of about 8-10cm.
Growing Carrots
Carrots need a well-draining, deep, loose, and fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.8. to grow the smoothest, straightest roots. Sow from early spring to midsummer, 3/4–1" apart, 1/4– 1/2" deep, in a 2"-wide band (about 30 seeds/ft.), or single rows 16–24" apart. Keep the top of the soil moist, don’t allow it to crust before seeds germinate which can take 7-21 days depending on temperature and moisture. As carrots grow, thin to 3/4–2" apart, depending on size desired. Keep weed-free and cover exposed crowns to prevent greening. Reemay or floating row cover can keep out carrot rust fly a common pest in many areas.
Growing Leeks
Start indoors in February/March for summer harvest. Start fall/overwintering varieties in March/May. Germination in 8-16 days. Sow seeds 1cm deep, thin to 1cm apart. Transplant when seedlings reach 20cm tall. Spacing 45cm apart in row and 10-15cm apart. Prefers soil of a neutral pH in full sun.
Growing Onions
Start indoors in late winter, germination will occur in 6-10 days. Trim seedlings when they reach 15cm. Transplant seedlings mid spring in clumps, spacing 15cm apart or wider for larger varieties. Plant in full sun and well drained soil. Let bulbs cure for a week before pulling, curing is essential for long storage. After harvesting let onions dry until outer layer is crispy then store in a cool, well ventilated place.
Growing Parsnips
Direct sow outdoors from last frost to mid summer. Germination: 14- 21 days. Sow seeds 1cm deep, thin to 7-10cm apart in row and 45-60cm apart. Prefers loose soil.
Growing Radishes
Direct sow in early spring through summer in full sun and loose, well drained soil. Plant 1cm deep and 2-3cm apart in row. Keep soil moist and thin to 2-3cm apart. Harvest promptly avoiding summer heat to prevent woodiness and bolting.
Growing Rutabagas
Direct sow outdoors in late spring to early summer will germinate in 7-15 days. Sow seeds 1cm deep and 15-20cm apart in row. Thin seedlings to 60-70cm apart. Prefers rich, loamy soil with an ideal pH of 6.0-6.8. Full sun.
Growing Scallions
Can start indoors Feb. to March and transplant or direct sow in April: sow a few seeds 5mm-1cm deep in each cell of a cell tray, transplant cell plug 12-15cm apart. To overwinter in protected areas, start in early July and transplant in Aug.
Growing Skirret
See our Pink Mix Skirret page for full information.
Growing Turnips
Aim to grow turnips in well-drained, fertile soil with an ideal pH of 6.0–7.5. Sow 1/4– 1/2" deep, seeds 1" apart for small turnips/2" apart for larger turnips. Seeding in a 2–4" wide band in rows 12–18" apart. Use floating row cover at time of planting to help keep turnips free of flea beetle and other pests.
