Table 14. Characteristic Rooting Depths of Various Vegetables.

Shallow (18-24 in.)	Moderately Deep (36-48 in.)	Deep (48 in.)
Broccoli	Bean-bush	Artichoke
Brussels sprouts	Bean-pole	Asparagus
Cabbage	Beet	Bean, Lima
Cauliflower	Carrot	Parsnip
Celery	Chard	Pumpkin
Chinese Cabbage	Cucumber	Squash-winter
Corn	Eggplant	Sweet potato
Endive	Muskmelon	Tomato
Garlic	Mustard	Watermelon
Leek	Pea
Lettuce	Pepper
Onion	Rutabaga
Parsley	Squash, summer
Potato	Turnip
Radish
Spinach

The depth of rooting of vegetables is influenced by the soil profile. If there is a clay pan, hard pan, compacted layer, or other dense formation, the rooting depth will be shallower.
Source:Knott's Handbook for Vegetable Growers. (4^th edition). Donald Maynard and George Hochmuth.

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