How to Store Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are the cornerstone of any productive home garden. Proper storage ensures your hard-earned harvest stays fresh, flavourful, and ready to eat for months to come, minimising waste and maximising the rewards of your labour. Whether you’re wondering how to store parsnips, carrots, beetroot, or any other root crop, this guide has you covered. With years of experience growing and storing vegetables, we’re here to share tried-and-tested methods to keep your veggies at their best.

When to Store Root Vegetables

Storing In Situ

Some root vegetables, like parsnips and carrots, can be left in the ground over winter. This is nature’s simplest storage method. The soil acts as a natural refrigerator, keeping the roots cool and hydrated. If you’re choosing this approach, ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging and rot. Cover the bed with a thick layer of mulch or straw to protect against frost.

Post Harvest

Once you’ve harvested your root vegetables, it’s crucial to prepare them for storage. Begin by brushing off excess dirt but avoid washing them, as moisture can lead to rot. Inspect each vegetable and separate any with damage or signs of disease to prevent spoilage spreading.

Do You Need to Lift and Store Root Vegetables?

In regions with harsh winters or soggy soils, lifting and storing root vegetables indoors may be necessary. This prevents freezing or water damage. For milder climates, consider a combination of in-ground and indoor storage to enjoy fresh produce throughout the colder months.

How to Store Potatoes

Best Container for Storage

Use hessian sacks, wooden crates, or cardboard boxes lined with newspaper. These materials allow for good airflow while shielding potatoes from light, which can cause greening and make them inedible.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Avoid storing potatoes in the fridge. The cold converts starches to sugars, leading to an unpleasantly sweet taste when cooked. Instead, keep them in a cool, dark place like a cellar or pantry.

Top Tips

• Always cure potatoes for 1-2 weeks in a dark, cool spot to harden the skins before storage.
• Check stored potatoes regularly and remove any showing signs of spoilage.

How to Store Beetroot

Beetroot Seeds

Best Container for Storage

Beetroot stores well in boxes of damp sand or sawdust. This method maintains humidity and prevents shriveling.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Beetroot can be stored in the fridge if you have space. Keep them in perforated plastic bags to allow airflow while retaining moisture.

Top Tips

• Trim the leaves to about 2 inches before storing but avoid cutting into the root.
• Do not wash beetroot before storage.

How to Store Carrots

Carrot Seeds

Best Container for Storage

Carrots thrive in a cool, humid environment. Layer them in a box of damp sand or sawdust.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Carrots can be refrigerated but store them in a breathable bag to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can lead to rot.

Top Tips

• Remove green tops before storing to prevent them from drawing moisture out of the roots.
• Keep carrots away from apples and pears, as the ethylene gas they emit can cause carrots to spoil prematurely.

How to Store Artichoke

Best Container for Storage

For artichokes, a breathable bag or box with damp sand works well. Ensure good ventilation to avoid mould.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Artichokes can be stored in the fridge for short-term use. Keep them in a crisper drawer with a damp paper towel for added humidity.

Top Tips

• Check regularly for signs of softness or mould.
• Use within a few weeks for the best flavour and texture.

How to Store Radishes

Radish Seeds

Best Container for Storage

Radishes store well in breathable bags or containers with a damp paper towel to maintain humidity.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Refrigeration is ideal for radishes. Place them in the crisper drawer for optimal freshness.

Top Tips

• Remove the green tops to prevent moisture loss.
• Refresh limp radishes by soaking them in ice water for 30 minutes before use.

How to Store Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi Seeds

Best Container for Storage

Kohlrabi stores best in a perforated bag or box with some damp sand to retain moisture.

Fridge or Not to Fridge?

Refrigerate kohlrabi for the longest shelf life. Keep it in the crisper drawer, preferably with a damp paper towel.

Top Tips

• Trim the leaves before storage but leave the bulb intact.
• Use within 2-3 weeks for the best flavour and texture.

Best Container for Storing Vegetables

The ideal container depends on the vegetable, but common options include:

• Wooden crates lined with newspaper
• Hessian sacks
• Boxes filled with damp sand or sawdust
• Perforated plastic bags for refrigeration

Good airflow and appropriate humidity levels are essential, so avoid sealed plastic containers unless specified.

And there you have it—storing root vegetables is as much about care as it is about preparation. By creating the right environment and giving your carrots, beets, and potatoes a little extra attention, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour for months to come. It’s such a joy to reach into your pantry or cellar in midwinter and find the vibrant flavours of your garden waiting for you. Remember, a little effort now means a lot of goodness later—happy storing!