Root Vegetable Plants
Root vegetables - carrots, turnips, beetroot and more - are a veg plot staple, and ours are selected for the best taste and productivity all year round. Your root vegetable plants start life on a family run Lancashire farm, with varieties chosen for taste and performance, and grown sustainably using recycled water and biological pest control. Delivered to you straight from the field, they’re strong, vigorous and ready for anything the UK weather can throw at them.
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South Downs National Park
Meet Josh
Slow grown veg from the sunny South Downs
Our vegetable plants are sown on a family farm in Lancashire, then nurtured into strong young plants by Josh in the sunny South Downs before they rock up in your garden. By selecting only the strongest and tastiest varieties, Josh makes sure you get a headstart on your plot, with impressive crops and no waste.
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Root Vegetable FAQs
When is the best time to plant root vegetables in the UK?
Root vegetables can generally be planted either in spring for a late summer harvest or in autumn for a winter or spring harvest, depending on the variety.
What type of soil is best for growing root vegetables?
The best soil for root vegetables is a well draining, loose soil with plenty of compost or manure mixed in. Carrots need to be planted in a soil that’s more on the sandy side.
How much sunlight do root vegetable plants need?
Root vegetables prefer to be in a sunny spot with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, but they can also thrive in locations with a little light shade, particularly if this is in the afternoon.
How often should I water my root vegetable plants?
Root vegetables need to be well watered to develop properly, but avoid waterlogging as this can cause problems. Watering deeply once or twice a week is usually enough, or more in hot and dry weather.
How do I know when root vegetables are ready to harvest?
Every root vegetable variety is different, but generally you can tell they’re ready when you see their tops peeping through the soil or their leaves start to die back. Check our individual root veg pages for more information on each type.
Can I store root vegetables after harvesting?
Root vegetables tend to be good for storage purposes. They last longest when kept in a cool, dark place such as a fridge or garage, but check the individual variety for more information.
Are there any special considerations for growing root vegetables in containers or raised beds?
Root vegetables can be grown very successfully in raised beds or pots, as long as they’re deep enough - at least 45cm deep is best. Use a loose soil or compost and make sure whatever container you use has drainage holes in the bottom. Plants grown in pots will need more regular watering than those in the ground.
How do I fertilise root vegetable plants?
Root vegetables benefit from a soil enriched with compost or well rotted manure at planting time. You can also give them a boost every month or so during the growing season, by feeding them with a general purpose plant or vegetable food. For more growers’ tips, check out our guide to growing carrots.
