If you’re wondering why your plants sometimes aren’t doing very well and you’ve done everything possible, the problem may be they need more root space. Whether growing in raised beds, or in the ground, it’s important to consider how much space they need beneath.
I always try to give them more root space than needed.
The following guide should give you a starting point. However, keep in mind just because a plant is shallow-rooted, it may need much more lateral space to grow outwards.
Very Shallow-rooted (can grow in 6-8″ soil)
Lettuce
Radish
Spinach
Shallow-rooted (can grow in 12″ soil)
Arugula
Blueberries (wide roots)
Broccoli
Bok Choy
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard Greens
Corn
Garlic
Herbs (most, like basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, parley, thyme)
Jerusalem Artichokes
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Onions
Potatoes
Strawberries
Medium-rooted (can grow in 16″ soil)
Beans
Beets
Carrots
Cantaloupe
Chard
Cucumber
Eggplant
Goji Berry
Peppers
Peas
Rosemary
Rutabagas
Sage
Squash, Summer
Turnips
Deep Rooted (requires at least 24″ soil)
Artichokes
Asparagus
Parsnips
Pumpkins
Rhubarb
Squash, Winter
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Watermelon