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Growing Beetroot

How to grow Beetroot in pots, containers garden beds and allotments

Beetroot

Family/Latin Name

Chenopodiaceae - Beta vulgaris

Type of Plant

Root - Crop Rotation Group = Root Crops

Suitable for

Garden Beds, Allotments, containers, pots

See also:- Vegetable Growing Glossary | Container Growing | Buying Seeds & Plants

Plant Dimensions	Height up to 30cm/12" - Spread Up to 20cm/8"
Yield per plant	1 Beetroot
Yield per 1.5m/5 ft row	2.2kg/5lb Globe varieties 4kg/9lb Long Varieties
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 10-12 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground or in containers at least 22cm/9" wide and 30cm/12" deep
Sowing time	Outdoors late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	2 seeds 2.5cm/1" deep - 10cm/4" between seeds - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks
After Germination	When the seedlings are 2.5cm/1" high thin to 1 seedling per station. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well.
Growing on - in Pots	Keep well watered and avoid dry spells to prevent the beets becoming woody or splitting
Growing on- in open ground	As above
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Start pulling the beetroots once they have reached the size of a golf ball, pulling alternate plants to give space for the remaining roots to reach maturity (about the size of a cricket ball) for the globe varieties

Pests and Diseases

Companion Plants

Aphids
Indications	Leaves distorted
Treatment	Organic Spray with a weak solution of soapy water Use water through a hosepipe to knock the aphids off the plants Chemical Spray with an insecticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention	None

Mangold Fly or Beet Leaf Miner
Indications	Light brown blisters on the leaves. The leaves turn completely brown and drop off and plant growth is stunted.
Treatment	1. Gently loosen the soil surrounding the plants with a trowel or hoe which will expose the pupae for birds to eat them. 2. Remove any affected leaves as soon as the damage is noticed
Prevention

Companion Flower Graphic

None in particular

If you know aphids are a problem in your area, grow flowers such as nasturtiums, calendula asters, dahlias, and zinnias nearby - but not too close.

Create a bio-diverse environment by planting flowers nearby to attract bees, ladybirds and other "friendlies". To learn more about companion planting click here.

In the Kitchen

Storage: In a cool, dry place for up to 3 days or store longer term layered in boxes separating each layer with sand or peat, and keep in a cool dark but frost free place such as the garage or shed.

Preparing: Twist off the leaves which can be also eaten raw or cooked like spinach then wash in cold water. Beetroots tend to "bleed" and lose colour if the skin is broken or removed before or during cooking so it is best to cook them whole in their skins.

Cooking: Beetroot are excellent for pickling and can also be used raw in salads and garnishes.

Bake/Roast	Whole Medium = 1½ - 2 hours DO NOT pierce or break the skins
Boil	Whole Medium = 1 - 1½ hours
Fry/Sauté	Thin Slices = 10-20 minutes
Microwave	Whole Medium = 8 - 10 minutes

For more preparation and cooking information about beetroot plus lots of recipes visit our sister site www.recipes4us.co.uk.

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