Beetroot are often said to be easy to grow. They come in red, white or yellow fruiting versions.
Beetroot leaves are edible and can be grown and harvested young for salad.
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sow directly from April to mid-summer, up to early July.
- For early crops, grow under cloches or cold frames. Too early sowing can result in the crop bolting.
- It is recommended to make first sowing mid-spring, with a succession sowing about 3-4 weeks later and the maincrop sowing in early summer.
- Sow in drills 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart (2.5cm x 30cm).
- Keep soil evenly moist to ensure germination.
- Once germinated, thin plants to 4 inches apart.
- It is recommended to choose bolt-resistant types.
- Beets mature in 9-12 weeks.
- Late season sowings can be left in the ground under a cloche.
Philosophising... 