Table of Contents
Growing heirloom root vegetables can be a rewarding experience for gardeners who want to enjoy unique flavors and preserve traditional varieties. Understanding the seasonal timing for planting, tending, and harvesting these crops is essential for success. This calendar provides a month-by-month guide to help you plan your heirloom root vegetable garden throughout the year.
Spring Planting (March – May)
Spring is the ideal time to start planting heirloom root vegetables in most regions. The soil begins to warm, creating optimal conditions for germination and growth. Early planting ensures a bountiful harvest in late spring or early summer.
March
- Prepare soil: till and add compost to improve fertility.
- Start seeds indoors for carrots, beets, and parsnips in seed trays or pots.
- Begin direct sowing cold-tolerant varieties like radishes and turnips outdoors.
April
- Continue direct sowing radishes, turnips, and carrots outdoors.
- Transplant seedlings of beets and parsnips into the garden once the soil warms.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
May
- Plant additional crops for succession harvesting.
- Ensure consistent watering to promote healthy root development.
- Monitor for pests and diseases.
Summer Care (June – August)
During summer, focus on maintaining soil moisture, controlling pests, and supporting healthy root growth. Some varieties may need thinning to prevent overcrowding.
June
- Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
July
- Watch for pests such as root maggots and aphids.
- Apply natural pest control methods if needed.
- Continue watering and mulching.
August
- Begin checking roots for maturity—most are ready in late summer.
- Prepare for harvest by loosening soil around roots.
- Plan for storage or preservation of your harvest.
Fall Harvest (September – November)
The fall is the prime harvest season for heirloom root vegetables. Timing is crucial to ensure the roots are mature and flavorful. Proper harvesting and storage will keep your vegetables fresh through the winter.
September
- Harvest carrots, beets, parsnips, and radishes when roots reach desired size.
- Use garden forks or hand tools to carefully lift roots to avoid damage.
- Begin curing roots by brushing off excess soil and storing in a cool, dark place.
October
- Continue harvesting remaining mature roots.
- Store roots in a root cellar, refrigerator, or sand for winter use.
- Plant a cover crop to improve soil health for next season.
November
- Finish harvesting before the first hard frost.
- Prepare soil for winter by adding compost and mulching.
- Clean and store gardening tools.
Winter Planning and Off-Season
Winter is the time to plan for the next growing season. Order seeds, review your garden’s performance, and prepare your soil. Some gardeners also enjoy indoor seed starting to get a jump on spring planting.
December – February
- Reflect on last season’s successes and challenges.
- Order heirloom seed varieties for the upcoming year.
- Start seeds indoors if space allows, focusing on early crops.
- Maintain compost and prepare garden beds for spring.