Winter
Sowing Season
Biennial
Type
BEETROOT
Family : Beetroot
Environment
Beetroot prefer to be grown in moist, fertile soil in a sunny spot, but will also thrive in raised beds or pots.
How to grow in pots
- Ideal for round varieties, not long cylindrical ones), choose containers that are 20cm (8in) in diameter and at least 20cm (8in) deep.
- Fill loosely with multi-purpose compost leaving the compost just shy of the top.
- Tap the pot gently to settle, and firm with your finger tips aiming to leave a 4 cm (1.5 in) gap between the surface of the compost and the top of the pot.
- Sow seeds thinly across the surface and cover with 2 cm (0.75 in) of compost.
- Water and thin out seedlings when they're about 2 cm (0.75 in) tall, leaving 12 cm (5 in) gaps between them.
Harvesting
- Depending on variety, beetroot is ready to be picked when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball - this is usually 90 days after sowing. To harvest, gently hold the tops and lift while levering under the root with a hand fork.
- Remove the tops by twisting them off with your hands to prevent the plants bleeding their juice - don't throw these away, they have bags of taste and can be cooked and eaten like spinach.
