Why Grow Beetroot?

Beetroot is very nutritious, with both the leaves and roots offering health benefits. However, it is important to note that, like spinach and chard, beetroot leaves are high in oxalic acid, so those at risk for kidney stones should consume them in moderation.

Although beetroot is inexpensive to buy, it rarely comes with quality leaves attached. Fortunately, beetroot is easy to grow and quite productive, making it economically worthwhile. However, it cannot compete with lettuce or kale in terms of value for money.

As a winter superstar, beetroot stores exceptionally well. It can remain in the ground through light frost and can be eaten well into the spring, even after the new season roots are ready.

How Much to Grow?

To determine how much beetroot to grow, calculate the amount consumed weekly, including any for processing. It’s possible to have beetroot year-round by sowing about 20% of the needs in late winter, another 20% in early spring, and the remainder in late spring for storage. Storage crops keep well from October until May. Growing just for 1-3 people requires fewer plants, making it best to plant them around the edges of beds for optimal sunlight.

Suitability for Different Growing Environments

Beetroot can thrive in containers but performs better in the ground due to its deep taproot, which benefits from at least 12 inches of depth. Like many leafy greens, it tolerates light shade, especially in summer. Early and late crops should receive maximum light, while main-crop sowings can manage with partial shade.

Lifecycle

Under ideal conditions, beetroot planted in spring or summer won't go to seed until the following year. However, like most vegetables, sowing too early or subjecting them to stress (such as cold or drought) can lead to premature seeding.

Unlike many vegetables, going to seed doesn’t affect beetroot’s taste; it simply redirects growth from the root to the flowers. Autumn sowing is possible for an early spring crop, but it increases the risk of premature seeding, with autumn-harvested beetroot storing well until May, making early crops unnecessary.

Many resources suggest harvesting beetroot when smaller than a tennis ball to avoid toughness; however, this isn’t Wellies and Waxjackets' experience. Woody roots are more a function of time in the ground than size.

Sowing and Harvesting Periods

The following chart provides an overview of each beetroot sowing related to Wellies and Waxjackets’ diet. There tends to be a decrease in beetroot consumption in early spring when only modest harvests are available. Early main crops arrive in summer, followed by storage crops in October. Freshly harvested beetroot is slightly superior to store-bought.

Super Earlies (Sow in Early January - Harvest May)

This succession works if germinated indoors under grow lights for at least 14 days and then planted out under cover, such as a polytunnel. It is only worthwhile if an earlier crop is desired. Careful selection of varieties is essential.

First Earlies (Sow February - Harvest June)

Wellies and Waxjackets sows first early beetroot in mid-February for a late May/early June harvest, coinciding with the decline of store roots. This timing also allows for a chard-like leaf harvest.

To address low light levels and nutrient access in early spring, sow two seeds per module and thin to a maximum of three seedlings. Beetroot seedlings thrive in cool, bright conditions, ideally at 18°C.

Once established, early beetroot benefits from warmth and maximum light. They are planted in a polytunnel with 8-inch spacing between single seedlings (10 inches for three seedlings). It is advised to sow only the number expected to be consumed in June.

Second Earlies (Sow March - Harvest July)

Second early sowings are ready for harvest in late June/July, just as first earlies finish. They don’t require greenhouse conditions but benefit from protection under fleece, a cold frame, or a low tunnel.

Wellies and Waxjackets sows second earlies in early March with 5-inch spacing between seedlings (7 inches for two seedlings).

Early Main Crop (Sow April - Harvest August/September/October)

The early main crop sustains Wellies and Waxjackets from August until October. It doesn’t need protection, though fleece for the first two weeks may ease hardening off. This sowing benefits from three seeds per module, thinned to three to four seedlings. Harvesting involves taking the largest root first.

Main (Storage) Crop (Sow Mid May/Early June - Harvest October)

Main-crop sowings are grown for storage, typically harvested in late September/early October as the weather cools. Timing is crucial; if sown too early, the roots may be oversized, while late sowing may result in undersized roots.

The exact sowing date will depend on growing conditions. To ensure uniform size for storage, grow one to two seedlings per module, a maximum of three.

Late Crop (Late June for a Harvest in Winter)

If desired, a late crop can be sown in late June/early July and planted in August for harvest from November until the first hard frost.

Favourite Varieties

Wellies and Waxjackets has several favourite varieties for various growing periods, which can enhance their harvest.

How to Sow

Seeds should be sown in a 40-cell tray about 1cm deep. While germination is usually good, soaking the seeds for an hour may be beneficial in some circumstances.

Sow one seed per module for first and second earlies, 2-3 seeds for the early main crop, and one seed for the main crop. Older seeds may require sowing two per module as a precaution.

To ensure success, a test sowing of around 20 seeds of each variety two weeks prior can provide confidence in germination.

How to Prick Out/Pot On

While direct sowing is preferred, if pricking out is chosen, follow the same process as for lettuce, but do so when small due to their long roots.

Where to Plant

Beetroot is one of the most tolerant vegetables regarding soil type and position. While it prefers light soil with moisture-retaining organic matter and full sun, it can thrive in heavier soil and partial shade.

How Many to Plant (Spacing)

Spacing depends on various factors, including:

1. The time of year (early and late sowings = more space)
2. Light levels (more shade = more space)
3. Soil quality and amendments (richer soil = less space)
4. Seedlings per module (more seedlings = more space)
5. Desired root size (smaller roots = less space)
6. Desired harvest timing (earlier = more space)
7. Climate (colder = more space)
8. Interplanting (yes = more space)

In full sun with plenty of water, the following general rules apply:

1. First earlies: 1-2 seedlings per module, spaced 9-10 inches apart
2. Second earlies: 2 seedlings per module, spaced 9-10 inches apart
3. Early main crop: 3-4 seedlings per module, spaced 10 inches apart
4. Main crop: 1-2 seedlings per module, spaced 7 inches apart
5. Late crop: 2-3 seedlings per module, spaced 10 inches apart

How to Plant

Planting beetroot is straightforward, with a few key points to consider:

1. Clear the bed of weeds and ensure the ground is well hydrated down to 4-6 inches. This is crucial for early plantings in polytunnels or greenhouses.
2. Apply one handful of blood, fish, and bone per square metre, avoiding high-nitrogen fertilisers if larger roots are desired.
3. Mulch with 1-2 inches of compost to suppress weeds and retain moisture, keeping it fluffy.
4. If seedlings are leggy, plant deeper to ensure the leaves sit level with the surface of the compost.

Protecting Your Plants

Although Wellies and Waxjackets typically do not net plants, first earlies thrive in a polytunnel, while second earlies do best under fleece or in a cold frame. Depending on the location, protection from birds or beet leaf miner may be necessary.

How to Feed and Water

Beetroot does not require additional feeding apart from that applied at planting. However, it is essential to ensure adequate boron, a nutrient crucial for proper growth. Symptoms of deficiency include distorted leaves and black spots on roots.

How to Prune/Manage While Growing

Healthy beetroot plants do not require pruning. If sown directly, thin to the required density, ideally when the beets reach golf ball size.

How and When to Harvest

Beet Leaves

Beetroot has excellent-tasting leaves that can be harvested like chard or spinach. Once mature, Wellies and Waxjackets prefers to take one leaf per beet every two weeks without significantly affecting root yield.

Baby Beets

For early-season harvest, baby beets can be picked when they reach golf ball size, leaving the remaining ones to grow.

Twist Out and Hold the Rest of the Plants

When harvesting individual beets, twist them out to avoid damaging the roots. For module-grown crops, remove the entire module and leave some of the crop behind to continue growing.

Storage of Roots

Beetroot can be stored in a cool, dark place with high humidity or in sand, ideally at 0-1°C. It is also suitable for freezing, though freezing should only be done once harvested as it alters the texture. For freezing, cut into wedges and blanch for three minutes before cooling in iced water.

Pest Management

The only pests of concern are aphids, which may be a problem in hot weather. Removal is best done with a hard spray of water; insecticides are often unnecessary. Beetroot may also attract slugs, which should be trapped to prevent damage.

Disease Management

Beetroot is generally resilient against disease but can suffer from leaf spot in very wet conditions. Good air circulation and crop rotation help prevent this. If disease occurs, remove affected leaves as soon as possible and apply a copper-based fungicide if necessary.

Seed Saving

While beetroot is biennial, seed saving can be achieved by leaving plants in the ground after harvest. The best practice is to select the best plants to leave and ensure cross-pollination is possible. When saving seeds, it’s essential to plant different varieties at least 400 meters apart.