Growing your own vegetables is challenging yet rewarding at the same time. You get to enjoy the privilege of consuming fresh harvest in your very own home. To get started, you may check these useful tips and learn everything the right way.
1. Timing is everything
Experts say that root crops prefer to mature in cool weather. Most of these crops grow and taste better when planted in July or August. Also, having a cool weather means achieving a cool soil which helps with the color development of the crops making it more vibrant.
Weather plays an important role in the overall growth of vegetables. Therefore, it is important to know the timing and sow the right seeds at the right time.
2. Sow seeds directly
Sowing seeds directly on the ground is a great way to get a better harvest and enjoy the fresh harvest of root vegetables. This vegetable has a delicate root system and is often damaged when transplanted from pots.
3. Choosing the right location and don't skip on sunshines!
Most root vegetables are most effective in sunny areas with at least 4 to 6 hours of full sunlight. Raising them in the shade can result in poor performance, low yields and, of course, poor taste. Choose a perfect sun location. Too much shade means that the plant will struggle and perform poorly.
4. Prepare the soil
Since the edible portion of root vegetables grows underground, it is important to sow the seeds in a well-drained, loose, loamy soil. By adding compost and leaves, you can create the ideal soil for your garden.
5. Moisten the seedbed before sowing
One trick to achieve a good growing root crops is to pre-irrigate your beds. If the soil is too moist, the seeds can rot and disappear. Therefore, use a fast-draining seed-starting mix to allow water to penetrate quickly. This soil retains the proper amount of water to keep it moist. You can use modified regular potting soil, but do not start with garden soil.
6. Provide sufficient space between your vegetables
Keep them apart so that the roots of your vegetables have enough room to grow and expand in the soil. For small vegetables such as carrots and radishes, an adjacent 34-inch space is sufficient. For potatoes and cabbage, leave 1012 inches between them for best growth.
7. Use a fertilizer
It uses a balanced fertilizer to supply the soil with sufficient nutrients and promote the growth of root vegetables. Always follow the instructions on the label and do not add extra doses. This affects the flavor and can cause hairy roots.
8. Remove weeds
Root vegetables and weeds do not pass alongside well. They suck all of the vitamins from the soil, which the basis veggies want for ongoing development. That is why it's miles vital to take away the weeds regularly.
9. Water regularly
Make sure the soil remains moist by watering the plants on a regular basis. However, please avoid overwatering. It can cause root to rot and interfere with the growth process. The best way is to keep the surrounding soil dry and not to sit in flooded soil all the time. Water once or twice per week, using enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches each time. It's okay if the soil's surface dries out between waterings, but the soil beneath should remain moist.