Beetroot

Growing Guide

Direct sow beetroot seeds outdoors from March to July in a weed free, sunny position in fertile, light, well drained soil. For regular harvests throughout the season, sow seed at 2 to 3 week intervals.

The "Boltardy" variety of beetroot is best if you're sowing early. White and golden varieties take less time to grow ready for harvesting.

Sow beetroot seeds thinly in shallow drills at a depth of 1cm and 30cm apart. Water regularly until the leaves begin to sprout. At the beginning, your seeds need plenty of water to start the germination process. The roots will take moisture from the soil once they're established. When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings within each row to 5 - 7cm apart.

Beetroot can also be grown in containers. If doing so, choose a container at least 20cm deep and 20cm in diameter, filling with good multipurpose compost. Sow at a depth of 1cm, but place the seeds closer together than in the open ground.

Beetroots are ready to harvest when they are the size of a small orange; too large and they won't be as tasty.

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Late harvests can also be stored for winter use, so you can enjoy home-grown beetroot almost all year round.

Colour can also indicate flavour, with darker roots usually having a richer, more earthy taste and pale ones being milder and sweeter.

The leaves are edible too and can be used like spinach or eaten raw when young.