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Beetroot on the go
Hi all
well this is the best time for me as beetroot has got to be my favourite fresh produce from the allotment.
I planted a tray on the 4th April and they are already on the move which is encouraging to say the least of the germinationtime.
I plan to sow many more in the next few months which will give me a great crop from which to devour, share at little cost
I will be planting 4/5 varieties this year which will include cylindra, paublo, boltardy, detriot and chiogga which is a pink striped beetroor very sweet
Happy gardening
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Chris, is there any advantage in sowing indoors rather than direct? I've never grown beetroot but I'm going to give it a try this year.
I always sow direct as soon as the soil has warmed up a bit.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
It does do very well from sowings in modules. I once left a tray out on the soil, forgot about it and they rooted through the holes and made nicely sized beetroot.
I've also had success from early sowings in modules - although I did remember to plant them out. There turned out to be one white one amongst them! Slight accident in the seed packing more likely than mutation, apparently.
Hi Aster2
I have grown beetroot both direct and in modules and have always had a greater return from modules. My last direct sowing took so long to come up weed also came up same time so the bed was a total loss.
It depends on what you want from the garden and everyone doesn't have the room for module planting so direct is their only option.
Having a large allotment and area for hardening off i am lucky and it is easier to plant successional so i can plan where the next ones ready are going after another veg has been harvested.
Whatever method used is your preference however the most important objective is a fantastic harvest with a amazing tasting produce.
If you have the room try both options and you can then decide what best fits for you
ps. i will keep this post in mind throughout the summer and post some photographs of progress to harvest
Happy gardening
Hi Chris
any tips on how to get them to grow to a nice size please? Just a bit bigger than a golf ball. I find that I struggle to get them consistent and end up with more marbles! I do space them well though...
Rich soil - well, a bit richer than you'd have for most roots - with plenty of nitrogen and phosphorus.
I think...
My husband plants beetroot direct & the success rate isn't fantastic - perhaps I should help him out by planting in modules in the cold GH - thanks for the idea Chris - you have given me an incentive to take over the veg. plot!!
Tried to grow beetroot twice last year but the sparrows kept stripping the seedlings.
Hi all
the module when planted out is a great rootball intact and settles in the ground quickly.
Because it has grown to a good size prior to planting out they are established and i dont have any problems with any bird or insect damage apart from the odd slug.
I normally prepare the bed rake over some growmore and plant. I give another feed 50% top dress during the growing period and pick when i want pending on what food is being prepared or use needed.
Keep the weeds at bay because every inch they have takes out the goodness in the soil intended for your crops. During the summer my habit of weeding for 20 minutes every time i visit applies.
I also plant chard, spinach, spring onions and brassicas in modules, i find my results much better
I have found Paublo beetroot to be of good size, consistancy and taste with deep colour
Happy gardening