Unusual question, plants with good roots and ready to grow now!

[Simonbea]

This may be a strange question, some of you have possibly seen my thread asking for responses to a questionnaire I am conducting regarding allotments for a university project. As part of this I am looking into possible ways in which plants may be grown in different locations.  Without going into too much detail one of the ideas looks at growing plants in glass containers, being able to see the root growth. I'm building a container at the moment but need to get growing some plants in it. Really I don't have a huge time-scale so I'm wondering if anybody can recommend any plants, preferably edible, that produce large root systems, and quickly.

I appreciate that I may be asking the impossible but if anybody has any suggestions of varieties which do do this they would be much appreciated.


Many Thanks

Simon

[Simonbea]

[Chrispy]

Runner beans is the first thing that springs to mind, but if their height is a problem, then broad beans is probably a better bet.

[goodlife]

Try..chard..specially the coloured ones..they roots are reasonably strong but it is the colour of the roots that will make them stand out...bright pink..
No veg like their roots 'seeing' day light all the time and if trying to do so they will try to grow away..and those showing often green up.
Maybe you could think of some kind of temporary screen that can be put on and taken away for 'show'?
How about potatoes too...?

[Robert_Brenchley]

Globe artichokes and cardoons have pretty massive root systems, but they're big plants. All you need to do is cover the glass with cardboard or something, and take it off when you want to have a look.

[Simonbea]

Should of said, height is a little issue for model, so Chard and potatoes will be a better option over the beans but thanks for suggestion.
Thanks for point regarding root growth, the glass' main purpose is to allow light through and passed the container rather than at the roots but that is a good point to be aware of thanks.

Simon

[antipodes]

Leeks also develop many roots over a relatively short space of time.

[Digeroo]

My mother grew broad beans every year in jam jars with classes of 8 year olds.  They seemed to tolerate their roots open to the light for quite a long time.   She originally put blotting paper to wick up the water and then changed to kitchen roll with changing availabilities of paper.  They do not like their roots wet as opposed to damp..

[Morris]

What about dwarf broad bean 'The Sutton'?

[George the Pigman]

Are you intending to grow them now under cover  or outside? It does make a difference. Outside you would probably get away with planting hardy (wrinkled) peas, broad beans, garlic and cabbage. Under cover ie a unheated polytunnel or cloche you could have a go at plants such as lettuce, radish, onion sets, potatoes. In an heated polytinnel or greenhouse your only limitation would be those plants that need long hours of daylight.
Let us know the results!!