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How Do You Plant Beetroot Seeds Indoors?

Published in Gardening Tips 3 mins read

You can plant beetroot seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season, especially in areas with short summers or late frosts. Here's how:

Steps for Planting Beetroot Seeds Indoors:

  1. Timing: Start sowing beetroot seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives them enough time to germinate and develop into seedlings ready for transplanting.

  2. Containers: Use seed trays, small pots (around 2-3 inches in diameter), or biodegradable pots. Biodegradable pots are ideal as they can be planted directly into the ground, minimizing root disturbance.

  3. Soil: Use a good quality seed starting mix or a mixture of seed sowing compost and multi-purpose compost. Ensure the soil is well-draining.

  4. Sowing: Sow the beetroot seeds about 1 inch deep. Beetroot seeds are actually seed clusters, so each one can produce multiple seedlings. Plant 2-3 seeds per pot or cell to increase the chance of germination.

  5. Watering: Gently water the soil after sowing, ensuring it is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rotting.

  6. Location: Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location (around 60-75°F or 15-24°C) with plenty of light. A south-facing windowsill or a grow light is ideal. An unheated greenhouse is also a good option, provided there's no risk of frost.

  7. Germination: Beetroot seeds typically germinate in 5-14 days.

  8. Thinning: Once the seedlings have emerged and have a few true leaves, thin them out, leaving only the strongest seedling in each pot or cell. If you've used seed clusters, you may need to carefully separate the seedlings.

  9. Hardening Off: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, you need to harden them off. This involves gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. Start by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day and gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors.

  10. Transplanting: Once the risk of frost has passed and the seedlings have been hardened off, transplant them into your garden bed or container. Space them about 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. If you used biodegradable pots, plant the entire pot directly into the soil.

By following these steps, you can successfully plant beetroot seeds indoors and get a head start on growing your own delicious beetroot.

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