4 Fast-Growing Root Vegetables to Plant in Containers Right Now

Beet plants growing in pots with leafy stems and roots visible — Credit:
Getty Images

If you think you've missed your window for planting a spring or early summer harvest of root vegetables, think again. There is a select number of root vegetables you can plant for a mid-season container garden. They are easy to grow, delicious to eat, and fast-growing enough to harvest in one to two months.

The roots and leaves of these plants provide an ornamental accent to gardens, and their compact size allows you to plant them in dedicated containers or mix them with your favorite annuals. Ahead, we're sharing the root vegetables professional gardeners say to plant in containers now for a quick harvest.

Elin Harryson, plant expert for Planta, a mobile application that helps users identify plants and care for them with personalized guidance
Laura Matter, program director at Tilth Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices

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Radishes

Crisp, colorful radishes (Raphanus sativus) are the perfect option for edible container gardens. They don't require much space, and they're ready to eat in about a month. "Radish would be the first thing I would recommend, because it's fast, it's easy, it's plentiful, and there are many different colors and varieties," says Laura Matter, program director at Tilth Alliance. She recommends a 6- or 8-inch container to give the roots space to mature, and to avoid pots that will dry out quickly, such as those made of wood or unglazed terra cotta.

Elin Harryson, plant expert for Planta, also recommends radishes. "Radishes are a great choice for small-space gardeners because they mature quickly, loosen compacted soil naturally as they grow, and make an excellent succession crop between slower-growing vegetables," she says. Keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth.

02 of 04

Beets

Beet plants growing in pots — Getty Images

Though wide varieties of beets (Beta vulgaris) take closer to two months to reach full maturity, they're just as tasty if you harvest them when they're smaller. "Choose varieties that are particularly good for baby beets—some of the deep red or purple ones—and just pull them earlier; don't grow them as big," says Matter, adding that waiting about 40 days before pulling is typically sufficient.

Another major benefit of beets is their leaves, which are both a decorative element in your containers and a tasty edible side dish. "Beets are especially productive in small spaces and add ornamental value as well, with their colorful stems and foliage," says Harryson. "Seeds can be planted in spring or fall. Containers should be at least 10 to 12 inches deep, and consistent moisture helps keep roots tender and evenly sized."

03 of 04

Carrots

Carrots (Daucus carota) take longer than some vegetables to germinate and mature, but planting a baby carrot variety can help you shorten the timeline. "Smaller or round carrot varieties are especially well-suited to containers and provide a sweet, fresh harvest in limited space," says Harryson. "A lightweight potting mix helps prevent misshapen roots, and steady watering reduces splitting."

Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep to give the roots room to grow, and plan to wait about two months before harvesting. "The nice thing about carrots and beets is they do really well over the course of the summer," says Matter. "You could regrow them and harvest again, whereas with the radish, you want to wait until it gets cooler in the fall to replant them."

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Turnips

Many turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) can be harvested in 40 to 60 days, making them a prime last-minute option for a spring container garden. "Shallow-rooted varieties perform well in medium-sized pots (about 12 inches deep and wide) and regular harvesting yields more tender roots and turnip greens," says Harryson. "Cooler weather produces sweeter, milder roots, while heat can make the flavor more earthy and sharp."

Add turnips to your container garden by choosing petite types that fit neatly among other plants or in a pot of their own. Select red or pink versions that add a little extra color to your plantings as the root tops are exposed. "There are some really lovely varieties that are smaller and really tender," says Matter.

4 Root Vegetables to Plant in Containers Right Now for a Quick Harvest

Radishes

Beets

Carrots

Turnips

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