Question
We live up on twin peaks and have an East-facing patio where we've been growing vegetables in pots. While our leafy greens have had some success, our root vegetables like carrots and beets have not. We grew them during the spring (April) but their growth was very stunted even after thinning. Do you have any tips on how to have success with these root vegetables in the future, and is now a good time to plant their seeds? Thanks very much.
Sunshine
San Francisco
Answer
In order for root vegetables to do well in containers, the pots must be deep enough and large enough to accommodate them. A half wine barrel is a good choice. The soil should be loose and well draining. Sloat Organic Potting Soil is ideal. It is recommended that Sure Start be incorporated into the soil at the time of sowing. Once the seedlings have sprouted, thin accordingly and feed with a liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or Maxsea All Purpose at 1/2 strength every 2 to 3 weeks. Water regularly. There is a tendency for containers to dry out towards the edges so pay extra attention to those plants growing towards the sides. Root crops are best sown in early spring and harvested before the summer gets hot.
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