15 easy root veggies to grow in cheap plastic laundry baskets that will completely transform your patio garden.

Transforming your patio garden into a lush and productive space can be both affordable and simple with the use of everyday items such as plastic laundry baskets. These inexpensive and readily available containers can be repurposed into perfect planters for growing a variety of root vegetables. Not only do they provide adequate drainage and depth for root development, but they also allow you to make the most of your vertical space, especially in urban settings where gardening space is limited.

In this article, we'll explore 15 easy root vegetables that thrive in these unconventional planters. From quick-growing radishes to sweet potatoes that double as decorative vines, you'll find that laundry baskets offer a unique and efficient way to cultivate your own edible garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will help you make the most of your patio space and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round.

Laundry baskets are ideal for growing root vegetables because they offer a combination of depth, drainage, and portability. Most root vegetables require at least 12 inches of soil depth to develop fully, and the average laundry basket, with its height of about 13-15 inches, provides ample space for roots to grow. Moreover, the holes in the sides of the baskets ensure excellent drainage, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root systems.

Another advantage of using laundry baskets is their portability. Unlike fixed garden beds, these baskets can be moved to catch the optimal amount of sunlight or to protect plants from harsh weather conditions. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in small spaces where sun exposure is limited. Additionally, their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle, even when filled with soil. This means you can rearrange your patio garden layout as needed, or even bring your plants indoors during colder months.

When selecting plastic laundry baskets for planting root vegetables, consider both size and material. Look for baskets that are at least 12 inches deep to accommodate root growth. A diameter of 14-16 inches is also ideal, providing enough space for multiple plants or larger root systems.

Opt for baskets made from durable plastic that can withstand the weight of soil and water. It's crucial to ensure that the baskets have sufficient drainage holes; if necessary, you can drill additional holes in the bottom and sides to improve drainage. Also, consider using baskets with handles, as this will make it easier to move them around your patio or garden space.

Carrots are an excellent choice for laundry basket gardens, especially when you select varieties that are naturally slim and cylindrical, such as 'Nantes' or 'Chantenay'. These types are well-suited to the confines of a basket, as they don't require as much width for growth.

To grow carrots successfully, fill your basket with a loose, sandy soil mix to allow for easy root penetration. Carrots need consistent moisture, so ensure the soil remains damp but not waterlogged. Sow seeds directly into the basket, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 3 inches apart once they have grown a few inches tall. With proper care, you'll be able to harvest sweet, crispy carrots within 70-80 days.

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing root vegetables, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. Varieties such as 'Cherry Belle' or 'French Breakfast' mature in as little as 25-30 days, providing quick and satisfying results.

Plant radish seeds about 1 inch apart directly into the basket, in soil that's been enriched with compost. They thrive in cooler temperatures, so aim to grow them in spring or fall. Ensure the baskets are placed in a sunny spot, as radishes require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, and you'll have crunchy radishes ready to harvest in no time.

Beets are a versatile addition to your basket garden, as they provide both vibrant roots and nutritious greens. Varieties like 'Detroit Dark Red' or 'Golden' are particularly well-suited for container growing.

Space beet seeds about 3 inches apart in your basket, and cover them lightly with soil. Beets prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. They thrive in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water consistently to maintain soil moisture, and thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Beets are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting, and you can enjoy both the roots and the tender young leaves in salads or cooked dishes.

Turnips are another cool-season crop that adapts well to basket planting. Varieties like 'Purple Top White Globe' or 'Tokyo Cross' are known for their mild flavor and quick growth.

Plant turnip seeds about 2 inches apart in your basket, and cover with a thin layer of soil. They require full sun and well-draining soil to thrive. Turnips prefer cooler temperatures, so aim to plant them in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. With adequate watering and sunlight, turnips can be harvested in about 50-60 days.

Potatoes can be grown effectively in laundry baskets using a method known as 'towering'. Begin by planting seed potatoes in 4-5 inches of soil at the bottom of the basket. As the plants grow, continue adding soil to cover the stems, leaving the top leaves exposed. This encourages the formation of more tubers along the buried stems.

Potatoes require a sunny location and consistent watering, especially during flowering and tuber formation. Use a well-draining soil mix enhanced with compost to support growth. Depending on the variety, potatoes are typically ready to harvest in 70-120 days. Simply tip the basket to reveal your bounty of homegrown potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are a beautiful and productive choice for basket gardens, with their trailing vines adding a decorative element to your patio. Varieties such as 'Beauregard' or 'Bush Porto Rico' are compact and well-suited for containers.

Plant sweet potato slips in a basket filled with loose, sandy soil, ensuring they have at least 18 inches of space to spread. Place the basket in a sunny spot and water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Sweet potatoes take longer to mature, typically 90-120 days, but the wait is worth it for their sweet, nutritious tubers.

Onions, both bulb and green varieties, are excellent space-savers in basket gardens. Green onions, or scallions, grow quickly and can be harvested continuously, while bulb onions take longer but are equally rewarding.

Plant onion sets or seeds about 1 inch apart for green onions and 3-4 inches apart for bulb onions. Use well-draining soil and place the basket in a sunny location. Water consistently and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Green onions can be harvested as needed, while bulb onions are typically ready in 100-120 days.

Garlic is a low-maintenance crop that thrives in containers, including laundry baskets. Plant individual cloves with the pointed end up, about 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in the fall for a summer harvest.

Garlic requires full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly during the growing season but reduce watering as the bulbs mature. Garlic is ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and begin to die back. Allow the bulbs to cure in a dry, shaded area for a few weeks before storing.

Parsnips are similar to carrots but require a longer growing season and are best planted in early spring. Varieties like 'Hollow Crown' or 'Gladiator' are excellent choices for baskets.

Sow parsnip seeds about 3 inches apart in deep, well-draining soil. They require full sun and thrive in cooler temperatures. Consistent moisture is key to prevent the roots from becoming woody. Parsnips take about 120-180 days to mature and develop their sweet flavor after a few frosts.

Kohlrabi, known for its unique appearance and mild flavor, grows well in baskets with loose, fertile soil. Varieties like 'Purple Vienna' or 'White Vienna' are compact and suitable for container gardens.

Plant kohlrabi seeds about 4 inches apart, covering them lightly with soil. They require full sun and consistent moisture. Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop, best planted in spring or fall. Bulbs are ready to harvest when they reach 2-3 inches in diameter, typically in 55-60 days.

Daikon radishes and other Asian varieties, such as 'Watermelon' or 'Korean', are known for their long roots and spicy flavor. These radishes require deeper soil, making tall laundry baskets ideal for their growth.

Plant seeds about 2 inches apart in well-draining soil, ensuring the basket is placed in a sunny location. Daikon radishes prefer cooler temperatures, so plant them in early spring or late summer. They mature in about 60-70 days, and their long roots can be used in a variety of culinary dishes.

Rutabagas are a nutritious and hardy root vegetable that can adapt to container growing. Varieties like 'American Purple Top' are well suited for baskets.

Plant rutabaga seeds about 4 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. They require full sun and consistent moisture. Rutabagas take about 90-100 days to mature and can be stored for extended periods, making them a practical choice for urban gardeners looking to maximize their harvest.

To ensure your basket root garden thrives, pay attention to watering, fertilization, and sunlight exposure. Since containers dry out faster than garden beds, check the soil moisture regularly and water thoroughly when the top inch feels dry. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.

Consider using mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Rotate baskets periodically to ensure even sunlight exposure and prevent leggy growth. Regularly inspect plants for pests and diseases, and take action promptly to maintain healthy growth. With these simple care hacks, your laundry basket garden will flourish and provide a bountiful harvest.