Many vegetables you eat come from underground farming. Underground vegetables, also known as root vegetables, offer several health benefits. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants abound in these plants. Their rich nutrition supports cardiovascular health and reduces chronic disease risk.
Growing underground vegetables at home is an achievable and rewarding endeavour. These vegetables typically require minimal space and can thrive in various soil conditions. Their underground growth reduces exposure to pests and diseases, making them easier to manage. With a few simple gardening techniques, even novice gardeners can successfully cultivate a variety of these nutrient-rich crops, ensuring a fresh supply of home-grown produce.
Furthermore, the process of growing these vegetables is straightforward and cost-effective. Most root vegetables have a natural resistance to adverse weather conditions, making them resilient and dependable crops. They are less demanding in terms of maintenance, often requiring only basic care like watering and occasional weeding. By growing underground vegetables, one can enjoy the satisfaction of sustainable gardening while reaping the health benefits of fresh, home-grown produce.
7 Vegetables That Grow Underground
1. Carrots
Carrots are a popular cool-season crop known for their sweet and crunchy texture. These orange roots are rich in beta-carotene, essential for vision and skin health.
Growing Tips: Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden during spring and late summer. Spacing the seeds about an inch apart helps in better growth. Mixing radish seeds with carrot seeds can aid in quick germination and soil prevention. Carrots take a while to germinate but are worth the wait.
Also read: Home Gardening Tips: How To Grow Cucumbers In Your Backyard
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are tuberous roots with a sweet flavour and high nutritional value. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C.
Growing Tips: Start with slips, which are sprouts from mature sweet potatoes. Plant these in late spring, ensuring each slip has ample space to grow. Mounds about 8 inches tall and spaced 3 feet apart are ideal. They thrive in hot weather and need a side-dressing of balanced fertiliser a month after planting.
3. Beetroots
Beetroots are vibrant root vegetables known for their earthy taste and high folate content. They are excellent for detoxification and improving blood health.
Growing Tips: Sow beet seeds directly in the garden from early spring to early summer and again in fall. Soak the seeds overnight for better germination. Plant them 1 to 2 inches apart and thin the seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart once they grow. Harvest when beets reach golf ball size.
4. Garlic
Garlic is a pungent bulb known for its medicinal properties and ability to enhance the flavour of dishes. It contains compounds that boost the immune system.
Growing Tips: Plant garlic cloves in the fall, placing them in a trench 5 to 6 inches deep. Add bone meal or a balanced fertiliser to the trench before covering the cloves with soil. Mulch well to protect from frost. Space the cloves 4 to 6 inches apart and rows 8 to 12 inches apart.
5. Onions
Onions are versatile bulbs that add depth to many dishes. They are rich in antioxidants and beneficial for heart health.
Growing Tips: Onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or seedlings. Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost, or plant sets and seedlings in early spring. Plant them in furrows 1 to 2 inches deep and space them 2 to 6 inches apart, depending on the variety. Keep the soil loose and well-watered.
6. Potatoes
Potatoes are starchy tubers that are a staple in many diets. They are packed with potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fibre.
Growing Tips: Use seed pieces of tubers with at least 1 or 2 eyes for planting. Potatoes are a cool-season crop, best planted in early spring. Place seed pieces in furrows and mound soil around the base as they grow to ensure plenty of loose soil for tuber formation.
7. Radishes
Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables with a peppery taste. They are excellent sources of vitamin C and can be round or cylindrical in shape.
Growing Tips: Sow radish seeds directly in the garden from early to late spring and again in fall. Thin the seedlings to 1 to 2 inches apart once they are an inch tall. Radishes mature quickly, often in less than a month, and should be harvested frequently for the best taste.
Growing underground vegetables is both easy and beneficial. These vegetables are rich in nutrients and add flavour to meals. With simple techniques and minimal space, anyone can cultivate these healthy crops. Start planting today and enjoy fresh, home-grown produce.