Are you itching to get your hands in the dirt, but don’t know where to start? Why not try sowing our favorite fall seeds: carrots, radishes, and beets! These hearty root vegetables thrive in Houston’s mild climate, especially during the cooler fall and early spring months, when the soil and air have just the right balance of warmth and coolness. There’s something magical about pulling fresh, homegrown veggies from the soil – not to mention the unbeatable flavor they bring to your kitchen! Here’s how to get started growing these roots from seed.

Carrots: Sweet, Crunchy, and So Simple to Grow

Carrots are the perfect crop for Houston’s mild autumn and spring, and they’re a joy to grow with just a little care! The key to sweet, well-formed carrots is loose, well-draining soil, which allows them to grow straight and deep. We love “Danvers” and “Nantes” varieties.

To plant, simply sow seeds directly into the soil throughout Fall to early November, or give it another go in February or March. Water the soil evenly – not too much, not too little – and watch as your carrots slowly transform below the surface.

Carrots may take a little patience, maturing in about 60-75 days, but trust us, it’s worth it! As they start to germinate and you see the little plants, make sure to thin them out or you’ll get very tiny baby carrots. When you’re finally able to harvest those vibrant orange beauties, you’ll taste the sweetness that only homegrown produce can offer.

Radishes: Fast, Flavorful, and Perfect for Beginners

If you want quick results and a satisfying harvest, radishes are your answer. These little root veggies love Houston’s mild fall and spring seasons, making them a fantastic addition to any garden from September through March.

Plant radish seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about an inch apart, and lightly cover with soil. Garden Girl dibbers are great for getting planting depth just right. They’ll germinate in just a few days and in 3-4 weeks, you’ll see their little red shoulders popping above the soil. Radishes have one of the fastest growth rates among garden vegetables!

Radishes are low-maintenance and forgiving, perfect for beginners or anyone with limited gardening time. And once they’re ready, you’ll have a fresh, peppery snack that’s wonderful sliced into salads, pickled, or even roasted.

Beets: Beautiful, Nutritious, and Rewarding

Beets are the jewel-toned stars of any garden, and they’re incredibly easy to grow in Houston’s mild winters.

Plant beet seeds directly in your garden from October to January, about an inch deep and spaced about 3-4 inches apart to allow each root room to grow. Each seed cluster will sprout multiple seedlings, so be sure to thin them out to let the strongest ones thrive. Beets love a bit of cooler weather, so as our temperatures drop, you can expect vibrant, healthy growth.

They’re ready to harvest in about 50-70 days, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also harvest young beet greens for salads! The earthy, sweet taste of homegrown beets are great for any dish, and they store beautifully in the fridge for later use.

Start Your Root Vegetable Journey!

Imagine the joy of stepping into your garden and plucking out a bunch of carrots, radishes, or beets, knowing they’re fresh, organic, and grown by your own hands!

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time planter, these root vegetables are both rewarding and practical to grow. Plus, Houston’s climate is perfect for succession planting, meaning you can enjoy a harvest more than once a year.

Fresh and delicious veggies are just a few weeks away. So grab your gloves, a packet of seeds, and your Garden Girl dibber and start planting!