Signs of Root Vegetables Rotting

Harvest Times

• At times it may be difficult to determine when a root crop is ready for harvest. Late harvests contribute to root crop rot so devise a harvest schedule. Fast growing crops like carrots and radishes mature within three to five weeks. Prepare to harvest them as soon as they mature. Plant new seeds once the old crops have been harvested. Following this schedule, you can then harvest crops throughout the growing season. Leaving crops in the ground past their prime causes them to rot. Check your vegetables periodically to determine if they are ready for harvest. Place a spade alongside the plant and gently lift and view the size of the root vegetable. Carrots and radishes can be harvested as soon as they reach an appropriate size. Leaving them in the ground will not cause the root to become larger. Instead, the root will become bitter and pithy.

Pests

• Carrot flies infect all root vegetables, not just carrots. The flies are actually maggots that feed off roots. When you see carrot flies around your root crops, immediately harvest your vegetables. Leaving them in the ground will only encourage the development of more flies that will weaken your plants and make them susceptible to rot.

Growing Conditions

• The worst growing conditions for root crops are hot, moist conditions. When water fails to drain, root crops sit in an environment replete with microorganisms that are ready to feast on the stored starch. Warm weather inhibits growth. Microorganisms, moisture and stagnant growth converge into prime conditions for root rot. When plant tops appear limp, there is the possibility that the root system may be rotting. Plant your crops in well-drained soil.

  Because root crops are cool season crops, plan on planting crops twice for two harvests. The first harvest will occur in early summer from seeds planted in early spring. The second harvest will occur before the final frost from seeds planted in mid-to late August. Planting and harvesting during cool weather helps prevent rotten root crops.

Considerations

• If your root crop tops appear limp and yellow, the cause may not necessarily be root rot. Applying a side dressing of nitrogen may help the foliage flourish. Always conduct a soil test prior to planting to ensure that your soil is suited for root crops. Amend clay soils and remove rock so that root systems have freedom to grow and spread. Even when your vegetables are exhibiting signs of insect invasion, do not apply insecticides.