Growing beetroot at home is easier than you think! Simply follow these steps for a successful harvest.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Beetroot and Location
- Seed Selection: Opt for beetroot varieties with rounded roots, as these are better suited for container growing. Long, deep roots can be harder to manage in smaller spaces.
- Location: Beetroot thrives in full sun. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a large container that will receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Planting Your Beetroot Seeds
- Direct Sowing: Beetroot seeds are best sown directly into the ground or your container.
- Container Growing: If growing in containers, use large ones—at least 40cm (16in) wide—filled with multi-purpose compost.
- Spacing: Sow seeds approximately 10cm (4in) apart.
- Depth: Cover the seeds with about 2.5cm (1in) of compost.
- Watering: Water gently after sowing to avoid disturbing the seeds. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rotting.
Caring for Your Beetroot
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply and less frequently than shallowly and often.
- Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to ensure proper spacing for optimal root development. Aim for one plant every 10cm (4in).
- Soil: Beetroots prefer well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.
Harvesting Your Beetroot
Harvesting time depends on the variety you planted, but generally, beetroot is ready to harvest 50-70 days after sowing. Gently pull the roots from the ground, being careful not to damage them.
