Beet is an easy-to-grow root vegetable that can be grown in various settings, including pots and garden beds. It is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing beets is a simple and rewarding process. You can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, nutritious beetroot with the proper preparation and care. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to grow beetroot, from preparing the soil to harvesting your crop. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you get the best results.
Choosing The Right Variety
Choosing the right beet variety is essential for successful growth. Here are some factors to consider:
Shape and Size: Beets come in different shapes and sizes. Choose a variety that suits your preference and intended use. For example, round varieties are ideal for pickling, while cylindrical ones are great for roasting.
Color: Beet comes in various colors, including red, yellow, and white. Red varieties are the most common and have a sweet, earthy flavour. Yellow and white varieties are milder in flavor and have a sweeter taste. I personally much prefer the golden or yellow varieties.
Growing Season: Some beet varieties are better suited for specific growing seasons. Choose a variety suitable for your region and the time of year you plan to grow it.
Here are some popular beet varieties:
| Variety | Shape | Color | Growing Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Dark Red | Round | Deep Red | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Chioggia | Round | Red and White Striped | Spring, Summer, Fall |
| Golden Boy | Round | Golden Yellow | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Planting Beet Seeds
Beetroot is easy to grow from seed, which is how most people grow it and why you don’t see plug plants for sale.
Sowing Seeds Indoors
If you want to get a head start on your beet crop, you can sow the seeds indoors before transplanting them to the garden.
Fill a module tray with compost and water it well.
Sow one seed per module, roughly 1-2cm deep.
Place the tray in a warm, bright spot like a windowsill or greenhouse.
When the seedlings have grown two true leaves, thin them and transplant them to individual pots.
Continue to grow the seedlings indoors until they are large enough to transplant to the garden.
Direct Sowing in the Garden
Beets can also be sown directly in the garden once the soil has warmed in late spring.
Prepare the soil by removing any weeds.
Make shallow drills in the soil about 1cm deep and 30cm apart.
Sow the beetroot seeds thinly along the drills, spacing them about 5cm apart.
Cover the seeds with soil and water them gently.
Thin out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle, leaving the strongest plants about 4″ apart.
Caring for Beets
Watering
Young beet plants require consistent moisture to thrive. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, to moisten the soil. Once your plants are established, they become reasonably drought-resistant. Do not overwater; keep the soil moist but not soaking.
Fertilizing
Beets aren’t too fussy and don’t need regular feeding if your soil is in good condition. I apply compost mulch before planting; apart from that, I leave them be!
Weeding
Keep your beet patch free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture. Regularly remove any weeds that appear, taking care not to disturb the beetroot plants. Mulching can also help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture. You want to grow your beetroot like you would onions, completely weed-free!
Harvesting and Storing Beets
When to Harvest
Beets are typically ready to harvest 50-70 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The best way to check if your beets are ready for harvest is to clear away some of the mulch or soil around the beet’s crown and check the root’s size. Beets should be around 1-3 inches in diameter when they are ready to harvest.
How to Harvest
When harvesting beets, it’s important to be gentle to avoid damaging the roots. Here are the steps to follow:
Loosen the soil around the beet with a garden fork or trowel.
Grasp the beet by the leaves and gently pull it out of the soil.
If the beet is stubborn, use a twisting motion to loosen it from the soil.
Trim off the leaves and stems, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the beet. The leaves can also be eaten as a salad leaf!
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