Planting the Second Season Garden: Root Vegetables

Planting of the second season garden began last week. The days since have been pleasantly warm and the nights cool with dew. Typically, the soil is warm and seed germination is good at this time of year. The radishes were up in four days. The winter rains often begin in October. I’m hopeful.

Tricolor carrots ‘Circus Circus’ from Renee’s Garden

I usually plant two types of carrots, the tricolor and a French Nantes, ‘Bolero’ from Renee’s Garden. To get a very light seed cover, I used a fine sifter for my compost and pressed it in place for good seed to soil contact. The carrots also germinated quickly, in six days.

Dutch ‘Baby Ball’ beets from Renee’s Garden

Along side my favorite ‘Baby Ball’ beets, I’ve planted ‘Sweet Merlin’ beets which are similar but specially bred for roasting because of their high sugar content. Seemingly with perfect weather conditions, the beets have germinated very well also. Though I find the color of golden beets alluring, alas their flavor can’t match what I long for in a beet.

Italian scallions from Renee’s Garden

I plant these scallions every year and harvest them at all stages of maturity—scallions, spring onions and bulb red onions.

I’ll continue to post updates as I plant the second season garden and I hope you’ll follow along with me.