The root cause

It’s time to sow and grow these buried treasures, writes Angie Thomas. 

Root vegies love growing during autumn’s mild conditions and some of the favourites include carrots, beetroot, onions, radishes and parsnips. Some are fast growers, others take their time. But include some root vegies in your vegie patch and you’ll be enjoying their tasty rewards for many months to come.



Leafy and fruiting vegies shouldn’t get all the glory! There are so many root vegie delights just waiting to be discovered. And one of the absolute joys of gardening is pulling these quiet achievers out of the ground at harvest time. Here’s how to start growing some of the most popular root vegies.



Carrots are best started from seed, sown directly where they are to grow. They dislike being transplanted. Carrots need soft and lump-free soil, at least 15-20cm deep, otherwise the roots can become crooked. For successful seed germination, sow thinly in rows about 6 mm deep. Water gently and cover the row with a plank of wood, lifting it daily to rewater. Lift the wood each day to rewater and as soon as the first seedlings emerge, remove the cover. This method helps maintain consistent soil moisture, promoting better germination. If there are too many seedlings, thin to give each plant 3-5cm of room to grow. Tender baby carrots can be picked in as little as 10 weeks.







Beetroot seeds are large and easy to handle. Soak them in water for two hours before sowing direct into a garden bed or pot, or you can raise your own seedlings for later transplanting. As the plants develop, pick some young leaves for salads. Baby beets can be harvested from 6 weeks or leave them to mature for up to another month. Sow more seed every few weeks for an ongoing supply of beetroot.



Onions require a commitment, taking up to 30 weeks to grow from seed (around 26 weeks from seedlings). However, they store well, so devoting some space in a vegie patch to onions pays long-term dividends. Growing your own seedlings for transplanting is an economical way to grow lots of onions and you can space them out easily in rows. Keep the soil moist and the plants well-fed until the leaves start to yellow and wilt. At this point, it’s time to pull the plants up and dry them for a few weeks, then hone your leaf-plaiting skills before hanging bunches in a cool airy spot.



Parsnips are traditional favourites in roasts and stews. Sow fresh seed in a similar way to carrots (using the plank method) and seedlings will start emerging within 3-4 weeks. You’ll need some patience, with harvesting beginning around 5 months later. But creamy and delicious parsnips are worth the wait.



Crisp and spicy radishes are one of the quickest and easiest to grow root vegies, and you can be picking from just 6 weeks after sowing. From colourful round to long white varieties, there’s a radish for every taste. Thinly slice them into salads for added zing or try your hand at pickling.



Can’t get enough root vegies? Why not also try growing your own swedes, turnips and celeriac!