Beetroot: The Modern Superfood

Once confined to the humble pickle jar, beetroot has now emerged as a modern superfood. With its vibrant color and earthy sweetness, it’s no wonder this root vegetable has gained popularity. But how do you grow this delicious and nutritious crop? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of growing beetroot, from sowing to harvesting, and share our top tips for success.

How to Grow Beetroot: Month by Month

Growing beetroot is a straightforward process, but timing is everything. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you get started:

• January: Sow beetroot seeds indoors in module trays using a good quality compost.
• February: Continue sowing beetroot seeds indoors.
• March: Sow beetroot seeds directly into the soil outside.
• April: Thin out beetroot seedlings to 30cm apart.
• May: Start harvesting baby beetroot.
• June: Continue harvesting beetroot.
• July: Beetroot is in full production.
• August: Beetroot harvest continues.
• September: Beetroot harvest continues.
• October: Beetroot harvest continues.
• November: Beetroot harvest continues.
• December: Beetroot harvest continues.

Caring for Your Beetroot Plants

Planting

When planting beetroot, make sure to leave enough space between each clump. You can plant them as close as 30cm apart for small to medium-sized beetroot, or 35cm apart for larger roots. Beetroot will naturally push each other apart as they grow, so there’s no need to thin them out.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist during dry spells. Beetroot growing in well-drained soil will require more frequent watering to prevent the crop from becoming small.

Harvesting Beetroot

Harvesting beetroot is a straightforward process. Simply twist out the largest beetroot from each clump, leaving the others to grow more. You can return to the same block of beetroot multiple times, harvesting every few weeks.

Harvesting beetroot is a rewarding experience.

Common Growing Problems

Birds

Birds can be a nuisance when growing beetroot, attacking the leaves and damaging the crop. To prevent this, cover early-spring plantings with fleece, which can be removed by early to mid-May.

Leaf Miners

Leaf miners can also be a problem, causing distinctive blotches on the leaves. However, with good growing conditions and healthy soil, the damage should be minimal.

Beetroot leaves can be susceptible to leaf miners.

Conclusion

Growing beetroot is a rewarding experience, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting a bountiful crop. Remember to sow at the right time, care for your plants, and harvest regularly to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Beetroot is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.