“I need ideas for growing root vegetables in containers.” Inquiry from Karen of Randolph, Vermont

Answer: You can grow just about any root vegetable in containers, but I choose smaller varieties for greater yields–petite French Breakfast radishes rather than giant Korean daikon radishes. Here are some excellent small, fast root vegetables for pots:

D’Avignon French Breakfast Radish: This traditional radish always tastes crisp and sweet when I grow it, and it is fast! Give the roots just 21 to 30 days for full development.

Adelaide Baby Carrot:  These are the most crisp and sweet baby carrots ever! Give them around 50 days to mature from seed.

Boro Beets: Harvest these deepest red beets as baby beets or wait until they are a bit larger. They are very fast growing–ripening in about 50 days from seed.

Scarlet Ohno Turnips: Red exteriors and pink interiors make these crunchy, sweet turnips extra special. Like the other root crops mentioned, they take about 50 days before they are ready to harvest.

All of these root crops are just right for spring. Be sure to plant them in containers that are deep and wide enough for a good crop. Plant them in Black Gold Natural & Organic Potting Mix, which is OMRI Listed for organic gardening and holds moisture well. To learn more about growing beets, take a look at our video below!

Happy root gardening!

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist