This post was last updated on March 3rd, 2024 at 05:25 pm
Carrots and beets are root crops planted into loose soil and heavier soil incorporated with compost manure or soil conditioners.
In order to nourish your root vegetable like carrots, beets and radishes you should think of things like–
- A good sun exposer
- Best fertilizer
- Access to water
- Loamy acidic soil (pH ranges between 6.0 to 6.5)
- NPK ratio 5–10–10 (If you want the roots to grow large but not lots of green leaves)
Soil can lose nutrients over time, especially if you plant same vegetable year after year. But the result can be changed by applying best fertilizer to your root crops like carrots and beets, because fertilizer can be a great addition to any garden. The challenge is to make sure about right balance of nutrients. So, if you are ready to take care your carrots and beets garden properly, here we are sharing some of the best fertilizer with you. Let’s dive into the deep..
1. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable
Key Feature
- It has a pleasant scent
- Ideal for perennials & Seasonal vegetables
- Easy to spread
- Appropriate for edible plants
- Good for all seasons
- It has a slow-release; therefore, it doesn’t burn your plants
- Feeds up to 4 months
Osmocote is a plant food that promotes beautiful flowering, fast top growth and strong root development. It helps your plants reach their full potential encouraging the growth of flavorful vegetables and fruits. It is suitable for perennials. It is excellent for both indoor and outdoor plants. The granules of Osmocote are coated with resin made from linseed oil which will biodegrade over time.
Product Specs
- Weight: 8.1 Pounds
- Brand: Osmocote
- Country of Origin: USA
- N-P-K: 14-14-14
2. Lilly Miller Morcrop Vegetable Food
Key Feature
- Formulate for produce great tasting vegetables
- It is easy to use
- Value for your money
- Easy to spread on the soil
- A product of United States
Lilly miller Morcrop Tomato and vegetable food is formulated to produce great-tasting vegetables. Lilly Miller blends natural ingredients with traditional plant foods to create special fertilizer that provides nitrogen from different sources. Contains natural ingredients; Morcrop fertilizer adds extra minerals so that vegetable plants never lack essential minerals. Mix the fertilizer lightly into the soil’s surface—Slow-release for lush and steady growth.
Product Specs
- Weight: 16 pounds (7.2 kg)
- Manufacturer: Lilly Miller
- N-P-K: 5-10-10
- Type: Granules
3. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
Key Feature
- Water-soluble
- Full of essential nutrients (Nitrogen 24%, Phosphate 8%, Potash 16%)
- Will not burn your plants when used as directed
- Works instantly to grow bigger and more beautiful vegetables
- Safe for all plants, including shrubs
Miracle-Gro plant food feeds plants to grow more beautiful and more significant plants. The plant food starts to work instantly, providing essential nutrients to grow more beautiful vegetables. For the best results, water your plants and sunlight. Use on all flowers, vegetables, household plants, and outdoor container plants every 7-14 days when plants are actively growing. Full of essential nutrients that plants require. It is a good fertilizer for spring and early summer.
Product Specs
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Country of origin: USA
- Type: Granules
4. Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes Vegetable
Key Feature
- Its Organic, no synthetic chemicals is used.
- Ideal for Carrots, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumber, Squash.
- OMRI listed, Specially formulated for organic gardening.
- Time-release fertilizer
- Improves soil quality that helps resist disease, insects and drought.
- Safe for the Environment, Kids and Pets.
Jobe’s is certified organic fertilizer spikes that provide nourishment for edible plants- it does not contain chemicals. Jobe’s fertilizer improves soil condition preventing the depletion of essential nutrients. Jobe’s fertilizer promotes disease resistance, drought resistance, and insects while the plant grows. Jobe’s fertilizer spikes feed plants when they need it the most- at the roots, which prevents chemical runoff.
Product Specs
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Type: Granules
- Country of Origin: USA
5. Down to Earth Blood Meal Fertilizer Mix
Key Feature
- All natural nutrients, OMRI listed for organic gardening.
- It promotes rapid vegetative growth.
- Ideal for vegetable gardens, outdoor containers and row crop/acreage.
- It is more suitable for heavy feeders like corn, spinach, and green leafy vegetables.
- Down to earthworks with organic matter, fungi and microorganisms present in the soil to feed plants.
Down-to-earth blood meal fertilizer provides natural organic nitrogen, which your growing plants require. Promotes adequate nitrogen supply ensures plenty of shoots, fruits, and green vegetables. Down to Earth fertilizer are used on a variety of trees, shrubs, and vegetables
Product Specs
- Weight: 5 lb
- Country of Origin: USA
- Type: Granules
6. Neptune’s Harvest Tomato & Veg Fertilizer 2-4-2, 1 Gallon
Key Features
- Natural and organic products, made from fresh fish, seaweed, molasses, yucca extract and humic acid.
- Intended use: fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
- A concentrate, needs to be mixed with water.
- No assembly is required.
- Increases the volume and vigor of vegetables.
- Provides delicious fruits and vegetables.
Neptune’s Harvest Fertilizer is suitable for all plants you grow and have a strong root zone. Neptune’s fertilizer contains nutrients that nourish your plants and improve your soil. The fertilizers are made from fresh fish caught in North America. It is the best natural and organic fertilizer available in the market. You can use Neptune’s Harvest Fertilizer in a potted garden. It is excellent to use during hot conditions and supports your plants against heat stress.
Product Specs
- Volume: 1 Gallon
- Type: Liquid
- Country of origin: USA
- N-P-K: 2-4-2
7. Master Blend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer
Key Feature
- Famous for hydroponic vegetable fertilizer for tomatoes and peppers.
- Highly concentrated. Dissolves completely, even you can use at drip system.
- 100% Water-soluble and contains all the minerals trace that your plants need.
- It is an excellent all-around hydro fertilizer.
Master Blend fertilizer is used for optimum plant growth. It contains Calcium, Nitrates, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Nitrate, and Epsom salt in correct quantities. The macro and micronutrients in Master Blend fertilizer help the plants grow fast. It is very concentrated and easy to use! You will notice an immediate improvement in your crops and soil with proper use. You can use Master blend fertilizer on all plants, including medicinal plants. It grows beautiful hydroponic green leafy vegetables. It is well suited for both soil-based and hydroponic growing.
Product Specs
- Weight: 5 Pound
- Type: Granules
- N-P-K: 4-18-38
- Manufacturer: MasterBlend
8. Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer
Key Feature
- It contains 100% Bone Meal which is fully natural and organic, Promotes healthy growth of roots.
- OMRI certified for organic farming.
- Organic source of Phosphorus & Calcium.
- Lightweight
- Burpee is committed to give 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Bone meal fertilizer is a significant source of vital nutrients such as phosphorus, organic nitrogen, and calcium. Bone meal fertilizer has calcium that promotes strong root development and delicious vegetables. The fertilizer enhances your plants throughout the growing season. Bone meal breaks down slowly, releasing nitrogen for robust growth throughout the season.
Product Specs
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Type: Granules
- N-P-K: 6-8-0
- Country of Origin: USA
9. Neptune’s Harvest Organic Hydrolyzed Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer
Key Feature
- A complete fertilizer derived from North Atlantic fresh fish & Seaweed.
- Natural and organic
- OMRI listed
- Ideal for vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs and lawn.
- It has a good scent
Neptune’s Harvest Organic Fertilizer is perfect for when your plants are stalling. It’s a highly nutritional protein fertilizer made with naturally occurring enzymes from fresh fish and seaweed in North America. Nitrogen present in fish protein in the form of Amino Acids breaks down into essential compounds when added to the soil. The nutrients present in the fertilizer remain in the ground for longer because no oils and proteins are removed. Neptune’s fertilizer doesn’t cause biological damage to the soil and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Product Specs
- Weight: 1.13 Pounds
- Type: Liquid
- N-P-K: 2-3-1
- Intended Use: Container, Indoor and Outdoor
10. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Organic Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food Fertilizer
Key Feature
- OMRI listed fertilizer based on high quality protein nutrition
- Ideal for tomatoes, vegetables, fruit, herbs, trees and shrubs.
- Natural & Organic without manure, harsh chemicals or offensive smells.
- Suitable for indoor, outdoor organic gardens in all geographic location.
- A product of USA.
The old farmer’s almanac fertilizer is specially formulated for vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, herbs, and shrubs. Your tomatoes and vegetables will be delicious, rich, and healthy. It is suitable for organic, indoor, and outdoor gardens in all geographic locations. The Old Farmers Almanac works with your soils’ ecosystem to give you healthy vegetables.
Product Specs
- Weight: 2.25 Pounds
- Type: Granules
- N-P-K: 8-4-8
Things to Consider When Buying Best Fertilizer for Carrots and Beets
a) Healthy Nutrients
Ensure that your fertilizer of choice has the required nutrients in the proper proportions. It should contain the three basic nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Some fertilizers also contain certain “micronutrients,” such as zinc and other metals, that are necessary for plant growth. Ensure to provide your carrots and beetroot with sufficient water, nitrogen, potassium, and sunshine exposure. Healthy nutrients in the soil should nourish your vegetables and make them safe for consumption.
b) Organic or Synthetic
Organic or synthetic fertilizers influence the growth and yield of your carrots and your beets differently. Plant growth parameters, including height, vary depending on whether you use organic or inorganic fertilizers. You can mix both organic and synthetic fertilizers for maximum results. The best organic fertilizer for beets and carrots reduces synthetic fertilizers’ adverse effects on human health and the environment. Organic manure has nutrients that are beneficial for long–term sustainability and crop productivity. Your choice of fertilizer will depend on the needs of your crops and the availability of organic or inorganic fertilizer.
c) Type of Fertilizer (Granular or Liquid)
Granular and liquid fertilizer applications supply different nutrients. Liquid fertilizers are foliar-applied plant nutrients that are absorbed through the leaves and more readily utilized than when they are ground applied-granular fertilization. Liquid fertilizers can be broadcast or used as a mid-season side dress. Granular-type fertilizer will work well for carrots and beets if used in moderation. Using a liquid-type fertilizer sprayed on the leaves is not advised for use in carrots and beets. Liquid-type fertilizers contain too much nitrogen.
d) Right Combination of Elements
Carrots and beets require a specific combination of elements. For example, you need 5% Nitrogen, 15%b phosphorus, and 15% potassium for the proper development of the root plants. Water is also a necessary element as it promotes the absorption of nutrients. Excess fertilizer may cause the splitting of the carrots and the beets and less flavorful crops. The fertilizer should be rich in potassium and phosphate. Since carrots and beets grow beneath the soil, potassium and phosphate are more beneficial and encourage root development.
e) Know Your Soil
If your soil is not rich in nutrients, you will need fertilizer. Test your soil to know the nutrients your soil requires or those in excess. Carrots and beets perform well when the soil temperatures are around 65 degrees F.
Know the type and drainage of the soil. Carrots and beets have different drainage requirements’. Your soil should be free from stones, loose and airy.
Measure the pH of the soil. Your soil should be neutral. When preparing your soil, how deep you dig depends on the varieties you are planting.
Knowing your soil will impact the type of fertilizer you will use. For example, the best organic fertilizer for beets should be lower in nitrogen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
i) What nutrients do carrots & beets need to grow?
All plants require potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Potassium increases resistance to diseases; nitrogen is essential for forming leaves, and phosphorus increases root growth and uptake. Carrots and beets require a proper amount of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and boron. Adequately supply your carrots and beets with water because water draws nutrients into the soil for roots to utilize the nutrients. As a farmer, you should work organic matter into the ground and provide supplement nutrients as your plants grow more prominent.
ii) How often do I fertilize carrots?
Before planting your carrots, work organic compost into the soil. Carrots require plenty of fertilizer, but excess fertilizer will lead to less flavorful carrots. It would be best if you started fertilizing your carrots when the top has reached a height of 3 inches. Always water in the fertilizer after every application. Fertilize again when the leaves get 8 inches, and the leaves are pale.
iii) What fertilizer should I use for carrots and beets?
The best fertilizer for carrots and beets should be high in potassium and phosphate and low in nitrogen. Use 5-15-15 which contains 5% nitrogen, 15% Phosphate and 15% potassium or 0-10-10 which contains 0% Nitrogen, 10%,Phosphate and 10% potassium. You are advised to use granular fertilizer because carrots and beets are root vegetables, and granular type fertilizer will benefit the roots.
iv) What kind of soil do carrots need?
Carrots require loose, well-drained soil categorized as Sandy loam soil. The pH should be neutral to alkaline. Carrots require soil that is full of organic matter and well-decomposed soil. The soil should be low in nitrogen.
v) Do carrots and beets need direct sunlight?
Carrots and beets require full direct sunlight for good crop yield. Up to 8 hours of exposure to sunlight is essential for the vegetables’ development. Beets are shade tolerant- they thrive in the sun and the shade- it depends on why you grow the beets. If you want to grow your beets for the leaves, grow them in the shade. When grown in the shade, the roots will be small, tender, and sweet, and the leaves will be plenty and nutritious.
If you want to grow your beets for the roots, then your beets should receive at least 6 hours of sun daily. Sunny beets form larger and sweeter roots than those grown in the shade.
Final Thought
Application of fertilizer to the soil and other soil management activities has become essential in increasing the yields of carrots and beets. Organic fertilizers are the best fertilizers for carrots and beets to eliminate adverse health and environmental effects brought by inorganic fertilizers.
