15 Best Root Vegetables for Your Backyard Garden

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Root vegetables are staples in many gardens. They are fairly low maintenance and produce well, so they grow well in home gardens. The fact that these vegetables are simple to cultivate makes them equally enticing. They provide a host of health advantages along with versatility in cuisine, which is classically appealing.

If you’re new to gardening or looking to expand your current vegetable selection, here are 15 of the best root vegetables that you should consider growing in your backyard garden:

Potatoes

Potatoes are another root vegetable that can be grown in multiple conditions, which makes them essential if your backyard has space and you love potatoes. These include the Russet, Yukon Gold, and Red Potatoes, each delivering a distinct flavor and texture. They are good for you due to their high potassium and vitamin C content, making them a nutritious food to include in your diet. They need more room than most root vegetables, but they are worth the effort.

Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that can be harvested within 3-4 weeks of planting. This growth rate makes them an excellent choice for those who want a quick harvest. They add a satisfying crunch and peppery flavor to salads and can be roasted or pickled.

Beets

Beets are not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The best part? You can use the whole plant, from its leafy greens to its sweet roots. Beets come in different colors, like red, golden, and striped varieties.

Turnips

Turnips are the underdog root vegetable, and it makes me sad. Roots are great for cooler weather and taste sweet once cooked. The leaves are edible and very high in nutritional value, so many gardeners grow this vegetable just for the leaves.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also highly nutritious. They contain high levels of vitamins A and C and other essential vitamins and minerals. They require warm temperatures to grow and can be harvested in the fall.

Parsnips

When cooked, parsnips are a root vegetable with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. They are full of fiber, folate, and potassium, so they make a healthy meal independently. Parsnips have long taproots; they need deep soil.

Carrots

Carrots are hands-down the best of root vegetables, folks. They are loaded with the most vitamin A, which is the best for your eyes. It also comes in several colors, purple, white, and yellow, sure to spice up your garden. Carrots are one of those root veggies that even the newest green thumbs can grow – they are so easy and can even be grown in containers.

Onions

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Onions are also root vegetables, which makes them ideal for planting in your garden. They are available in all sizes, shapes, and colors to enhance your garden visually. Onions have a pungent taste and are known for various health benefits, such as enhancing immunity and suppressing inflammation.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular root vegetable easily grown in a backyard garden. It has a distinctive flavor and numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system. Garlic requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive.

Ginger

You can also grow ginger, the wonder root vegetable, at home. Its hot, sweet, and slightly intense flavor makes it unique to add depth of flavor to your dish and anti-inflammatory benefits. Ginger is a tropical plant that requires a humid environment to grow well, but you can also grow the unique spice indoors.

Rutabaga

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Rutabaga, or swede, is a mild and somewhat sweet-tasting root vegetable. It is a good source of key nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Rutabagas are grown in cold regions and need cool weather to grow, so they are mostly well-harvested during the fall.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a lesser-known root vegetable but is gaining popularity for its unique taste and versatility in cooking. Its bulb can be eaten raw or cooked, while its leaves are often used in salads or sautéed dishes. Kohlrabi grows well in cooler climates.

Jerusalem Artichokes

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Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are another root vegetable that is easy to grow in your backyard garden. They have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are high in fiber and other essential nutrients. Jerusalem artichokes require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.

Taro

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Taro is an earthy root vegetable featured in many Asian dishes, and with a little bit of effort, you can also grow it in your backyard. You can harvest the leaves, which are edible and more nutritious than almost any other vegetable you could grow, and you can also dig up the root, which is starchy when cooked.

Cassava

Cassava, or yuca, is an important root vegetable in many cultures. It is a staple food source with a mild taste and is high in carbohydrates, making it a great energy source. Cassava requires warm temperatures and well-drained soil to grow.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.