Root & Tuber Vegetables
Potatoes, carrots, and other underground crops
Beetroot
Beta vulgaris · Amaranth family
Carrot
Daucus carota · Carrot family
Daikon
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus · Brassica family
Jerusalem Artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus · Daisy family
Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa · Carrot family
Potato
Solanum tuberosum · Nightshade family
Radish
Raphanus sativus · Brassica family
Swede
Brassica napus · Brassica family
Sweet Potato
Ipomoea batatas · Morning glory family
Taro
Colocasia esculenta · Arum family
Turnip
Brassica rapa · Brassica family
Yacon
Smallanthus sonchifolius · Daisy family
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow root vegetables in containers or raised beds?
Yes — most root crops in this group do well in raised beds or deep containers (at least 30cm deep for most, more for larger crops like sweet potato), as long as the soil stays loose and free of stones so the roots aren't forced to fork.
Why do my root vegetables come out forked or misshapen?
This is almost always stony or compacted soil, or fresh manure dug in too close to sowing — the root hits an obstacle and splits around it. Dig deep, remove stones, and use well-aged compost rather than fresh manure.