A classic selection of six root vegetable varieties to grow in the garden, or allotment. Varieties chosen are easy to grow and perfect for making tasty soups and stews throughout the year.
1. Carrot - Nantes
A fast maturing variety, ideal for early sowings. Producing long, rich orange roots with a sweet, crunchy taste. Generally ready to harvest 9 to 11 weeks after sowing.
SOW OUTDOORS: sow thinly, March-June, where they are to crop, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared, light, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Allow 30cm between rows. Early sowings from February may benefit cloche protection. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Thin by harvesting young carrots evenly, allowing remainder to grow on. Water well until plants are established.
Harvest: May-October
2. Beetroot - Boltardy
Popular beetroot variety, perfect for early sowings, due to its great resistance to bolting. Sow every 2 weeks from March for regular harvests throughout the season.
SOW OUTDOORS: Sow thinly, March-July, where they are to crop, 2.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Allow 30cm between rows. Seedlings usually appear in 7-21 days. Thin seedlings to 10cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Regular sowings, made every three weeks, should ensure a continuous supply of young beets.
Harvest: June-October.
3. Parsnip - White Gem
Short rooted and broad shouldered type. A popular variety with home gardeners. Great to sow in most soil types and produce firm, white roots with a sweet nutty flavour.
SOW OUTDOORS: Sow thinly February-May, where they are to crop, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared, light, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Allow 40cm between rows. Early sowings may benefit from cloche protection. Seedlings usually appear in 14-32 days. Thin plants to 20cm apart. Replace any dislodged soil. Water well until plants are established.
Harvest: September-March.
4. Swede - Brora
High yielding variety producing super sweet tasting roots with purple and white skins. Rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre, fast and easy to grow at home.
SOW OUTDOORS: sow thinly, May-July, where they are to crop, 1.5cm deep, directly into finely prepared, rich, well-dug soil, which has already been watered. Allow 45cm between rows. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Thin out to 25cm apart. Water well until plants are established. Make two or three successional sowings to provide a crop throughout the winter.
Harvest: August-November.
5. Turnip - Milan Purple Top
Quick maturing variety, which will produce flat-topped white roots with a purple crown. This variety of turnip is most tender when young, with a mild, sweet flavour.
SOW OUTDOORS: March-August. Sow thinly, 1.5cm deep, directly where they are to grow, in rows spaced 30cm apart. Keep the soil moist. Sow some of the seeds every 2-3 weeks to extend your harvest period. Seedlings should start to appear in 14-21 days. When they are large enough to handle, thin them to 10cm apart. Keep well watered and weed free.
Harvest: June-November.
6. Cabbage - Ormskirk Savoy
Classic winter harvesting variety, with excellent flavour. Making it a popular choice for Christmas dinner. A hardy type, which has good frost and disease tolerance.
SOW OUTDOORS: April-June. Sow thinly, 1.5cm deep, in a prepared seedbed, in rows 25cm apart. Keep moist.
Alternatively SOW INDOORS: March-May. Sow thinly, 0.5cm deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a light, warm position. When they are large enough to handle, carefully transplant seedlings into individual pots and grow them on. In late May or early June, place outside for a few days to acclimatise plants to outside.
Outdoor Thinning: When 10cm tall, transplant to their final positions with 60cm between plants and rows.
Harvest: December-March.
1. Carrot - Nantes
If carrot fly is a problem, delay sowing until May. Keep well watered during dry spells, as this will prevent the roots from splitting.
2. Beetroot - Boltardy
Do not cut the leaves, but twist them off to prevent the colour ‘bleeding.’
3. Parsnip - White Gem
Leave roots in the ground until required, as they improve after exposure to autumn frosts. Sow fast-growing crops between the rows to make the most of the space.
4. Swede - Brora
Roots may be left in the ground until required, or lifted and stored in a cool, dry, dark place. This variety is bred to cook quickly to lock in the most nutrients and can also be frozen.
5. Turnip - Milan Purple Top
For tender young turnips, begin harvesting alternate plants from the row when they are about the size of a golf ball. Turnips are best eaten small and young, but can be harvested up to the size of a tennis ball. For greens follow above instructions but don't thin out.
6. Cabbage - Ormskirk Savoy
Feed throughout the growing season with a high nitrogen feed.
Further Information
Do not eat ornamental flowers or seeds.
Some plants can be harmful if consumed or cause irritation if touched.
Always wear gloves when gardening and wash hands thoroughly when finished.
See our list of potentially harmful plants here.
