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20 Plants with Shallow Roots

How To Grow Shallow Rooted Plants

Shallow-rooted plants deserve a lot more attention than they’re given. In fact, they’re one of the best types of plants to grow if you have limited planting space.

Since they don’t grow an extensive root system, they can be planted in small containers or nearby structures. Hence, you can enjoy their beauty and company without having to worry about them.

There are several different kinds of shallow-rooted plants, from vegetables to flowering annuals. Read on as we do a comprehensive run-through of each! 

1. Cabbage

Cabbage
Image: Kellogg Garden Products
Scientific NameBrassica oleracea var. capitata
Common Name(s)Cabbage
FamilyBrassicaceae
OriginEurope
Unique Characteristics• Thick, alternating leaves
• Outer leaves are typically darker colored and become lighter the closer to the core
• Come in pink, red, blue, purple, white, cream, lavender, and green
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Water Requirements1 in. per week
Soil TypeLoamy, well-drained
Soil pH6-7 pH
Spacing Requirements18-24 in. apart

Cabbage is pretty easy to grow in shallow containers because their roots only grow down to between 18 to 36 inches. Thus, they’re perfect for small and shallow containers.

Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable.As a result, they’ll need to be sown around 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. 

Planter’s Tip: If the climate you live in is quite dry and hot, avoid planting until the late summer or when temperatures are the coolest.

Cabbage
Image: Kellogg Garden Products

Once your seedlings are about 4 to 6 inches tall, they’re ready to be transplanted into their containers. 

After 2 to 3 weeks, you can add nitrogen-rich fertilizer to boost growth and development. 

In 70 to 120 days, you can expect firm and sizeable heads of cabbage that are ready to be harvested and enjoyed.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce
Image: LoveToKnow
Scientific NameLactuca sativa
Common Name(s)Lettuce
FamilyAsteraceae (or Compositae)
OriginMiddle East
Unique Characteristics• Loose, lanceolate-shaped leaves
• Leaves grow alternately Leaves typically have a notched, frilly, scalloped, or ruffle edging depending on the lettuce variety
• • Can come in green or red colors
Short stem and typically light green to white
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size6-12 in. tall, 6-9 in. wide
Water Requirements1 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoamy, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-6.5 pH
Spacing Requirements6-18 in.

Ideally, the temperature of your soil should be anywhere from 45°F/7°C to 65°F/18°C to grow lettuce. Seeds should be sown about 2-4 weeks before the last spring frost date.

Lettuce
Image: Balcony Garden Web

For the best batch, ensure that you use loamy, well-draining soil that’s only slightly acidic.  If you’re not confident in the quality of your soil, we suggest mixing in some nitrogen-rich amendments like manure, compost, and fertilizer.

Lettuce
Image: Gardeners World

Lettuces are quite vocal vegetables which means it’ll be pretty easy to tell when they’re thirsty. If you notice wilting leaves, simply give them a quick spritz of water.

Planter’s Tip: Proper watering should be light, often, and consistent. Pay close attention to how your plant responds to the amount of water you’re giving it.

Within 30 to 70 days, your lettuce should be mature and ready to be harvested. 

3. Kale

Kale
Image: Healthline
Scientific NameBrassica oleracea var. sabellica
Common Name(s)Kale
FamilyBrassicaceae
Origin• Southeastern Europe
Western regions of Asia
Unique Characteristics• Densely frilly leaves with wavy-edges
• Leaves are long, narrow, and don’t form a head
• Typically dark green to dark purple-red in color
Sun ExposureFull to partial shade
Mature Size1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Water Requirements1-½ in. per week
Soil TypeFirm, well-drained
Soil pH6.5-6.8 pH
Spacing Requirements18-24 in.

Did someone say kale smoothie? With a root depth of only 12 to 18 inches, kale plants don’t need that much space and are one of the perfect veggies to grow in a small area. 

Kale
Image: Urban Turnip

Did you know that to harvest kale you can simply pinch off the outer leaves and leave the center to continue growing? That’ll give you an endless supply!

Kale
Image: Little Yellow Wheelbarrow

Kale loves soil that’s firm and well-drained, so we suggest adding nutrient-rich materials such as manure and compost for the best yields.

Planter’s Tip: For healthy leaf growth, mix nitrogen-rich materials into your soil. These include grass clippings, plant cuttings, and vegetable scraps, among other green matter.

Aaround 60 days after sowing, your kale should be ready for harvesting. If you simply can’t wait, it’s worth noting that young kale leaves also taste great in fresh salads. 

4. Onion

Onion
Image: Jain Irrigation
Scientific NameAllium cepa
Common Name(s)Onion
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
OriginSouthwestern Asia
Unique Characteristics• Hollow, tubular leaves
• Round bulb that’s typically white or cream with a yellow-orange or purple-colored skin
• Thin, white roots that extend from the base of the bulb
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size12-18 in. tall, 6-8 in. wide
Water Requirements1 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoamy, well-drained
Soil pH6.5-8 pH
Spacing Requirements6-18 in. 

Their roots grow up to 27 inches, but you can get away with planting them in a container that’s at least 10 inches deep. 

Onion
Image: Southern Living

At your seed’s early growing stage, we suggest increasing the amount of fertilizer that you give them since they’re quite heavy feeders.

Onion
Image: Bonnie Plants

You’ll be able to tell that your onion plant is ready to be harvested when its long, hollow, bright green leaves begin to collapse. This could be after about 3 to 4 months since sowing.

5. Spinach

Spinach
Image: Joe Gardener
Scientific NameSpinacia oleracea
Common Name(s)Spinach
FamilyAmaranthaceae
Origin• North America
• Central America
• South America
• Asia
Unique Characteristics• Compact, upright leaves
• Rosette-shaped
• Glossy, smooth, dark green-colored foliage
Sun ExposureFull, partial sun
Mature Size8-12 in. tall, 6-12 in. wide
Water Requirements1-1.5 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoam, moist, well-drained
Soil pH6.5-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements6-12 in.

Did you know that spinach has one of the shortest roots on this list? In fact, they only need about 4 to 6 inches of space, so you can get away with growing them in mason jars.

Planter’s Tip: For the best-tasting spinach, add water-soluble fertilizers for optimal absorption. 

Spinach
Image: Bunnings

To grow spinach, you’ll first need to ensure that your soil is workable. As a cool-season crop, spinach needs about 6 weeks of consistently cool weather to develop properly. 

Spinach
Image: Harvest to Table

In about 6 to 8 weeks, your spinach should be ready to be harvested. You can either remove the outermost leaves or simply cut off the entire head with a sharp knife.

6. Radish

Radish
Image: Horticulture Magazine
Scientific NameRaphanus sativus
Common Name(s)Radish
FamilyBrassicaceae
OriginAsia
Unique Characteristics• Either spherical or carrot-shaped depending on the variety
• Come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, purple, red, green, and yellow.
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size6-8 in. tall
Water Requirements1 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoamy, sandy, well-drained
Soil pH6-7 pH
Spacing Requirements3 in. 

What’s great about growing radishes is that they can be grown in both the spring and fall as long as they’re sown when temperatures are at least 70°F/21°C. 

Radish
Image: RHS

When it comes to soil type, radishes aren’t that picky and can do well in loamy, sandy, and moist soil types as long as they’re well-draining and have a pH level of 6 to 7.

Radish
Image: Masterclass

Similar to onions, you can tell that radishes are ready to be harvested when their bulbs are popping out of the ground. In a way, they’re coming out to say “Hi!” and that they’re ready to go.

7. Garlic

Garlic
Image: Patch Plants
Scientific NameAllium sativum
Common Name(s)Garlic
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
OriginCentral Asia
Unique Characteristics
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size18-24 in. tall
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements5-10 in.

Perfect for virtually any type of dish, this knotted little bulb grows roots anywhere from 4 to 11 inches.

Planter’s Tip: Avoid sowing store-bought garlic because they’ve probably already been treated with chemicals. Instead, only buy locally grown garlic from a trusted organic supplier.

Garlic
Image: Grow Organic

Sow your garlic before the heavy frost. While this sounds completely crazy, this is the perfect time to sow your garlic in time for spring considering how long it takes to grow. 

In fact, garlic plants do better when they experience dormancy during the wintertime. Give them around 4 to 8 weeks and they’ll be ready to “wake up” and start growing leaves.

Planter’s Tip: If your local weather conditions appear harsh, we suggest adding mulch to your top soil for added insulation. You can also wrap the pot with warm cloth or even move it close to a source of heat as long as it still receives full sun.

8. Arugula

Arugula
Image: The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Scientific NameEruca vesicaria
Common Name(s)• Arugula
• Salad Rocket
• Roquette
• Roka
FamilyBrassicaceae
OriginMediterranean
Unique Characteristics• Grows rosette basal leaves
• Leaves are deeply lobed and grow low to the ground
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size2-3 ft. tall, 1-1.5 ft. wide
Water Requirements
Soil TypeLoamy, moist, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements

A great addition to any type of salad thanks to its peppery taste, this leafy green only grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

With a shallow root system only growing to about 6 inches, arugula needs to be watered consistently and frequently to keep the soil moist. 

Arugula
Image: Bustling Nest

As a cool-season crop, it’s a no-brainer that arugula prefers cooler temperatures. You can grow them once temperatures hit 45°F/7°C or 55°F/12°C.

9. Rhododendron

Rhododendron
Image: Encyclopedia Britannica
Scientific NameRhododendron arboreum
Common Name(s)Rhododendron
FamilyEricaceae
Origin• Asia
• Australia
• North America
• Europe
Unique Characteristics• Has bright colored flowers typically in pink, purple, white, orange, yellow, and red hues
• Blooms are showy and semi bell-shaped with 10 or more stamens
• Long, lancet-shaped leaves which are typically a bright green color
Sun ExposureDappled sunlight
Mature Size2-20 ft. tall, 3-15 ft. wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH4.5-6.0 pH
Spacing Requirements2-6 ft. apart

Rhododendron roots are quite fine and look similar to hair. They also only grow to about 1-2 feet deep. 

While their roots aren’t deep, they grow wide to be able to catch as much water as they can before it all travels to the bottom of the soil.

Rhododendron
Image: Hortinno

Thus, you’ll want to water them more frequently during the first few years of their growing period, giving about 1-2 inches of water each week.

Planter’s Tip: Since rhododendrons need a strong acidic environment, mixing in pine bark or straw helps acidify the soil as they decompose. 

It’s important to remember that rhododendrons are toxic to both humans and animals. They contain a toxin called grayanotoxins which can cause serious problems when ingested.

10. Azaleas

Azaleas
Image: Encyclopedia Britannica
Scientific NameRhododendron spp.
Common Name(s)Azaleas
FamilyEricaceae
Origin• East Asia
• North America
• Europe
Unique Characteristics• Funnel-shaped blooms with 2 lips and 5 stamens
• Small, lancet-shaped leaves
• Loosely branched
Sun ExposureDappled sunlight
Mature Size3-20 ft. tall, 3-20 ft. wide
Water Requirements1-1.5 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH4.5-6.0 pH
Spacing Requirements3 ft. apart

What’s great about azaleas is that they’re relatively low-maintenance, so even those without a green thumb will be able to care for them. Though, you’ll need to ensure that they’re in the right environment and are given basic care.

Azaleas thrive in acidic and nutrient-rich soil. So your first step would be to make sure that your soil is jam-packed with all the resources needed to ensure the best root development.

Azaleas
Image: HGTV

Planter’s Tip: Use rainwater to water your azaleas as tap water may have too much alkaline content. 

Azalea prefers dappled sunlight so you’ll need to provide adequate shade to prevent the soil from drying out. Choose a spot that receives indirect sunlight and has a cool temperature between 60.8°F/16°C to 64°F/18°C.

11. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas
Image: House Beautiful
Scientific NameHydrangea spp.
Common Name(s)Hydrangea
FamilyHydrangeaceae
Origin• North America
• Asia
Unique Characteristics• Showy flowers with brightly colored sepals
• Typically grow a cluster of blooms in a ball-like shape
• Flowers are typically pink, blue, lavender and rarely white
Sun ExposureFull, partial
Mature Size2-20 ft. tall, 2-6 ft. wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeSandy-loam, well-drained
Soil pH5.5-6.6 pH
Spacing Requirements7-11 ft. apart

Hydrangea roots branch out but don’t extend longer than 6 inches. Having said that, it’s important to practice proper watering techniques to reduce the risk of your hydrangea getting infections or diseases.

Hydrangeas
Image: Petal Republic

Hydrangeas require at least 1 inch of water each week and a bit more throughout the growing season and during hot and dry weather. Depending on the climate, they may need deep soaks a couple of times a week.

Aside from water, sunlight also plays a role in their flower quality and quantity. Too much or too little sun could decrease their productivity.

Planter’s Tip: Position your hydrangeas in a place that gets a lot of morning sun and then shaded or dappled sunlight during the afternoons. 

12. Hosta

Hosta
Image: Walters Garden, Inc.
Scientific NameHosta
Common Name(s)• Hosta
• Plantain lilies
FamilyAsparagaceae
OriginEastern Asia
Unique Characteristics• Foliage come in white, lime green, and blue-green colors, among others
• Produce white, light blue, pink, or purple blooms
• Texture of its leaves can be veined, puckered, or smooth depending on the variety
Sun ExposurePartial, dappled 
Mature Size6-48 in. tall, 10-60 in. wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoamy, well-drained
Soil pH6.5-7.5 pH
Spacing Requirements1-5 ft. apart

Hostas are well-liked for how low maintenance they are. So you don’t have to worry about not having a green thumb when caring for these plants.

Hosta
Image: Pinterest

They prefer loamy and well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. It’s important that whatever container there is has adequate drainage because hostas are prone to crown rot. 

Hosta
Image: Favorite Perennials

Come the wintertime, hostas enter a dormancy phase to reset their growth cycle. For about 6 weeks, they’ll be in “hibernation” until temperatures are higher than 42°F/5°C.

If you live in a cold climate, be wary of your hostas freezing up. Generally, temperatures should be no less than 33°F/0°C or else you run the risk of your plants freezing.

13. Petunias

Petunias
Image: Positive Bloom
Scientific NamePetunia spp.
Common Name(s)Petunia
FamilySolanaceae
OriginSouth Africa
Unique Characteristics• Blooms come in a variety of colors in solids, contrasting edges, or patterns
• Some varieties have a sweet fragrance
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size6-8 in. tall, 18-44in. wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements12-18 in. apart

To get the most out of your petunia plant, pinch a couple inches off the top to encourage branching. Think of it as giving your plant a little haircut to help it to become fuller in the future.

Petunias
Image: Homedit

Despite its shallow roots, they can grow a spread that’s 18 to 44 inches wide. Thus, they can be used as a decorative groundcover. 

You’ll also want to give them a ton of sunlight, but be wary of intense heat as this could cause your soil to dry out and even shock your plant.

Petunias
Image: Suttons Gardening Grow How

Petunias also need regular watering to ensure that its blooms remain vibrant and vigorous throughout the summertime. 

Planter’s Tip: Plants grown in containers will need fertilizing because its nutrients get washed out and don’t get replenished.
Add a dose of slow-release fertilizer monthly to help boost the nutrition levels of the soil, increase your plant’s productivity, and improve its health.

14. Zinnias

Zinnias
Image: Garden Design
Scientific NameZinnia elegans
Common Name(s)Zinnia
FamilyAsteraceae
Origin• Mexico
• Central America
Unique Characteristics• Foliage colors range from pale to mid-green
• Sometimes blooms come in bi-color and tri-color varieties
• Flowers are usually shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, red, and purple
• Depending on the variety, flowers can come in shapes similar to buttons, domes, spiders, daisies, and stars.
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size1-4ft. tall, 6-18 in. wide
Water Requirements1 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH5.5-7.5 pH
Spacing Requirements4-24 in. apart

Zinnias are underrated can’t-kill flowers that are great for those just starting their gardening journey. With their shallow roots, these low-maintenance blooms will have even the smallest pot looking packed with flowers.

Zinnias
Image: Good Housekeeping

To aid in quicker flower production, it’s recommended to add rich organic matter such as compost. While you’re at it, you can add soil amendments, too, for more nutrients.

Zinnias
Image: The Old Farmer’s Almanac

Zinnias are a bit sensitive to colder weather. In particular, they don’t fare well against frost. Hence, they should be planted a few weeks after your last local frost.

They also are pretty drought resistant so they won’t be affected by dry spells or sizzling summers. If you listen closely, you may be able to hear them say “Bring the heat on!”.

15. Tarragon

Tarragon
Image: Foodal
Scientific NameArtemisia dracunculus
Common Name(s)• Tarragon
• Estragon
FamilyAsteraceae
Origin• Siberia
• Europe
• North America
Unique Characteristics• Highly aromatic
• Small, long, narrow leaves with a pointed tip
• Bright green-colored leaves that grow densely
• Typically produces white or yellow flowers in small clusters
Sun ExposurePartial, dappled sunlight
Mature Size24-36 in. tall, 12-15 in. wide
Water Requirements1-1.5 in. weekly
Soil TypeSandy, well-drained
Soil pH6.5-7.5 pH
Spacing Requirements18-24 in. apart

Tarragon grows well in virtually any type of soil as long as it’s well-drained and has a high nutrient content. Thus, be sure to add organic matter for extra support.

Tarragon
Image: Bonnie Plants

Despite having a shallow root system, they’re extensive and vigorous which makes them tolerant to dry conditions, even when faced with extreme drought. 

Tarragon
Image: Calgary Plants

It’s recommended to harvest the younger leaves because they have a stronger scent and taste than their older counterparts. Having said this, you’ll want to harvest them regularly so that they keep producing leaves.

16. Borage

Borage
Image: Healthline
Scientific NameBorago officinalis
Common Name(s)• Borage
• Starflower
FamilyBoraginaceae
OriginMediterranean region
Unique Characteristics• Blue, white, and pink colored blooms
• Typically has 5 narrow petals with pointed tips
• Bristly stems and leaves 
Sun ExposureFull, partial sun
Mature Size2-3 ft. tall, 9-18 in. wide
Water Requirements0.5-1 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH4.8-8.3 pH
Spacing Requirements9-18 in. apart

The best way to grow borage is by sowing seeds because they have a pretty good germination rate. Thus, even the most inexperienced gardener can have a crack at it!

Borage
Image: Everwilde Farms

When choosing where to place your borage plant, pick a location that receives full sun. This will optimize flower production which means more blooms to admire.

Borage
Image: Houzz

As for the soil, borage isn’t too picky as long as it’s of good quality that drains well. You can mix in organic matter such as mulch or compost for added nutrients, especially if your soil’s a bit compacted.

17. Basil

Basil
Image: Healthline
Scientific NameOcimum basilicum
Common Name(s)Sweet Basil
FamilyLamiaceae
OriginIndia 
Unique Characteristics• Oblong or oval-shaped leaves with slightly toothed edges and a pointed ti
• Foliage is typically a bright, deep green color with a glossy texture.
• Leaves grow opposite one another
• Produces purplish-white flowers Slightly hairy and textured stem
Sun ExposureFull, partial sun
Mature Size12-24 in. tall and wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-7.5 pH
Spacing Requirements10-12 in. apart

Basil can grow to be bushy in as quick as 4 weeks once you’ve got the ball rolling! When choosing which location to put your basil plant, opt for a space that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun.

Basil
Image: Martha Stewart

The soil should be fertile, so don’t skimp out on adding organic matter and fertilizer to boost your basil’s productivity. If you’ll be harvesting its leaves for culinary use, you’ll need to keep your plant in tip-top shape.

They should be given about 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, especially during drier months. 

Basil
Image: Encyclopedia Britannica

Continuously harvest and prune your basil plant to encourage new growth. This is especially important since basil is an annual which means that it’ll die after the growing season and will need to be replanted each spring. 

18. Rosemary

Rosemary
Image: The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Scientific NameSalvia rosmarinus
Common Name(s)Rosemary
FamilyLamiaceae
OriginMediterranean region
Unique Characteristics• Fragrant greenish-gray colored leaves
• Thick, leathery leaves that look similar to pine needles
• Leaves are narrow with a rounded tip
• Produces flowers that are typically white, purple, or blue
• Look similar to shrubs given their dense clusters
• Grayish-brown, woody stem
Sun ExposureFull sun
Mature Size2-6 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide
Water Requirements0.5 in. weekly
Soil TypeMoist, well-drained
Soil pH6.0-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements2-3 ft. apart

A slow-growing plant, rosemary likes to take its time so if you’re in a hurry, you’re most probably better off purchasing a seedling from your local nursery.

This is important to space them about 2 to 3 feet apart from one another because with how dense they become, the high humidity and poor ventilation can increase the chances of rot and fungal diseases.

Rosemary
Image: Weston seed

At most, rosemary can grow to be about 6 feet tall. Even then, don’t worry too much about how deep your pot should be since their roots only grow to about 12 inches on average.

As a warm-season crop, rosemary plants have a good heat tolerance which means they’re quite drought resistant. For them, ideal temperatures are between 55°F/12°C to 80°F/26°C.

19. Celery

Celery
Image: USU Extension – Utah State University
Scientific NameApium graveolens
Common Name(s)Celery
FamilyApiaceae
OriginMediterranean region
Unique Characteristics• Grows creamy white flowers in dense compounds
• Thick, furrowed, bright green stalk
• Bright green, wedge-shaped leaves
• Hollow petioles
Sun ExposureFull sun
Mature Size18-24 in. tall, 3-7 in. wide
Water Requirements1-2 in. weekly
Soil TypeLoose, well-drained
Soil pH5.8-6.8 pH
Spacing Requirements12 in. apart

Celery’s small root system primarily results in slow growth and sensitivity to movement so you’ll want to limit disturbing the root.

Celery
Image: LoveToKnow

Keep in mind that celery can’t tolerate high temperatures so be sure that it doesn’t fall below 40°F/4°C or else your celery plant could start bolting.

85 to 120 days after transplant, you can begin harvesting your crunchy celery. 

20. Dill

Dill
Image: Rocket Gardens
Scientific NameAnethum graveolens
Common Name(s)Dill
FamilyApiaceae
Origin• North Africa
• Iran
• Arabian Peninsula
Unique Characteristics• Fern or fennel-like appearance with fine, alternate, feathery leaves
• Foliage is typically bluish-green
• Grows clusters of small yellow flowers
• Has tall, thin stalks
Sun ExposureFull
Mature Size24-36 in. tall, 4-8 in. wide
Water Requirements1 in. weekly
Soil TypeSandy, loam, well-drained
Soil pH5.0-7.0 pH
Spacing Requirements10-12 in. apart

One of dill’s best selling points is that it’s a self-seeding annual which means that it technically plants itself. Thus, you can leave it as it is to grow the following year.

In about 14 to 28 days you can begin harvesting your dill. We encourage you to frequently trim your plant to boost productivity, which means you’ll be able to pick more yields.

Dill
Image: HappySprout

To keep your dill happy, you’ll need to plant it in soil that’s a mixture of sandy and loamy, but well-draining. 

It’s worth mentioning that dill needs the soil to be constantly moist, but not soaking wet or else it’ll be susceptible to rot and diseases. 

FAQs

What are shallow-rooted plants?


Shallow-rooted plants have a small root system, typically only taking up the first couple of inches of soil.

What are the cons of having a shallow-rooted plant?


Having shallow roots often results in plants drying out because their roots don’t extend far enough to retrieve moisture deep in the soil. Thus, gardeners will need to water more frequently to keep the moisture levels high enough.

Aside from that, shallow-rooted plants don’t have a grip that’s sturdy enough to withstand high winds. Hence, taller varieties will most likely need structural support.

What are the pros of having shallow-rooted plants?


Having shallow roots means that your plant’s roots can absorb the nutrients from the soil a lot quicker than plants with longer roots. Because its roots are closer to the top, it can cut absorption time in half.

How do I prevent my shallow-rooted plant from drying out?


You can boost moisture retention in the soil by adding soil amendments such as coconut coir, clippings, and compost, among others. 
Alternatively, adding a layer of mulch acts as a protective barrier against the heat of the sun and helps regulate the soil’s temperature.

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