I used to think shallow soil meant I was stuck with a sad little garden—but not in Missouri! There are actually plenty of crops that don’t mind tighter root space and still thrive.
I’ve had surprising luck with a few of these, even in spots I almost gave up on. It’s all about picking the right ones and giving them a solid start.
If you’ve got less-than-perfect soil, these crops are ready to grow right now.
1. Radishes
Quick to grow and super rewarding! Missouri gardeners love these crisp veggies because they’re ready in just 3-4 weeks after planting.
They only need about 4-6 inches of soil to develop properly. The Show-Me State’s spring and fall seasons provide perfect cool temperatures for these spicy root vegetables.
2. Lettuce
You can start harvesting baby leaves in just three weeks! Lettuce has shallow roots that spread out rather than growing deep into the earth.
Many Missouri gardeners plant several varieties for continuous harvests. The state’s moderate spring temperatures create ideal conditions for this cool-season crop before summer heat arrives.
3. Spinach
Hardy and nutritious, spinach thrives in cooler weather with minimal soil depth. The shallow root system means you’ll get abundant harvests even in Missouri’s challenging clay soils.
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results in the Show-Me State. Regular harvesting encourages new growth, giving you fresh greens for weeks.
4. Arugula
Spicy and fast-growing, arugula adds zing to any Missouri salad bowl! The shallow roots only need about 4-5 inches of soil to thrive and produce abundant harvests.
Many gardeners across the state plant successive crops every few weeks. Missouri’s mild spring and fall seasons provide perfect growing conditions for this peppery green.
5. Green Onions
Talk about low-maintenance! Green onions grow happily in just 2-3 inches of soil and can even be regrown from kitchen scraps. The mild Missouri spring provides perfect growing conditions for these versatile alliums.
Many gardeners across the Show-Me State plant them along border edges. They’ll continue producing new growth when you cut just what you need.
6. Kale
Surprisingly adaptable to shallow soils despite its robust appearance! Kale’s root system spreads horizontally rather than diving deep, making it perfect for Missouri’s varied soil conditions.
This superfood thrives in the Show-Me State’s cooler seasons. Plant in early spring or late summer for continuous harvests well into the colder months.
7. Garlic
Fall-planted garlic needs surprisingly little soil depth to produce flavorful bulbs! Missouri gardeners typically plant in October for harvest the following summer.
Even in the Show-Me State’s heavy clay soils, garlic thrives with just 4-6 inches of loose ground. The cold winters provide the necessary chilling period for proper bulb development.
8. Beans
Bush bean varieties are shallow-rooted superstars in the garden! They fix nitrogen in the soil while producing abundant harvests in Missouri’s warm summer months.
The Show-Me State’s growing season provides plenty of time for multiple plantings. With just 6-8 inches of soil, you’ll be picking fresh beans within 50-60 days of planting.
9. Herbs
Thyme, oregano, and basil thrive in Missouri’s shallow soils and hot summers! Their Mediterranean origins make them naturally adapted to poor growing conditions.
Many Show-Me State gardeners grow herbs in the shallowest spots of their gardens. Most culinary varieties need just 4-6 inches of soil depth to produce aromatic leaves all season long.
10. Strawberries
Sweet rewards from shallow roots! Strawberries spread by runners rather than deep roots, making them ideal for Missouri’s varied soil conditions.
The Show-Me State’s spring weather provides perfect growing conditions for these beloved berries. With just 6-8 inches of soil, you’ll enjoy harvests from May through early summer.
11. Chard
Colorful stems and nutritious leaves make chard a garden showstopper! This hardy green thrives in Missouri’s varied climate with minimal soil requirements.
Many gardeners across the Show-Me State enjoy harvesting outer leaves while letting the plant continue growing. With just 4-6 inches of soil, you’ll have continuous harvests from spring through fall.
12. Potatoes
Believe it or not, spuds can thrive in shallow conditions! The trick Missouri gardeners use is planting them just below the surface, then adding soil or mulch as they grow.
Many Show-Me State gardeners have success with this method even in challenging soils. Early varieties like ‘Red Pontiac’ and ‘Yukon Gold’ perform especially well in limited depths.
13. Carrots
Short-rooted varieties like ‘Paris Market’ and ‘Thumbelina’ thrive where regular carrots can’t! These round or stubby types need just 4-6 inches of loose soil to develop properly.
Missouri gardeners find these varieties perfect for rocky or clay-heavy gardens. The Show-Me State’s spring and fall seasons provide ideal growing conditions for these sweet root vegetables.
14. Mustard Greens
Spicy and fast-growing, mustard greens add serious flavor to Missouri dinner tables! Their shallow roots need only 4-5 inches of soil to produce abundant harvests.
The Show-Me State’s spring and fall seasons provide perfect growing conditions for these zesty greens. They’re surprisingly cold-tolerant, often surviving light frosts that occur in Missouri’s transitional seasons.
15. Beets
Compact and colorful, beets offer double harvests of roots and greens! The round varieties need just 6 inches of soil to develop properly in Missouri gardens.
Many Show-Me State gardeners plant them in spring and fall for continuous harvests. Their tolerance for cooler temperatures makes them perfect for Missouri’s transitional seasons.
16. Turnips
Fast-growing and versatile, turnips deliver both roots and greens from minimal soil! The white ‘Tokyo’ variety is especially suited to shallow Missouri gardens.
Many Show-Me State gardeners plant them for fall harvests when flavors improve after light frosts. With just 4-6 inches of soil, you’ll be harvesting tender roots within 30-40 days.
17. Peas
Early-season treats that don’t mind shallow soils! Peas have surprisingly modest root systems despite their climbing nature and abundant harvests.
Missouri gardeners typically plant them as soon as soil can be worked in late winter. The Show-Me State’s cool spring provides perfect growing conditions before summer heat arrives.