Growing beetroot is easier than you think. It’s a perfect crop for the most novice gardener.
Growing beetroot involves preparing the growing site, planting the seeds, thinning out the seedlings as they grow and then harvesting.
In this post we will tell you step-by step exactly how to grow mouth-watering earthy beets.
Selecting the Right Beetroot Variety
The first step is choosing the right variety.
Boltardy is a classic, bolt resistant, and provides an earthy and reliable crop.
Other varieties that I like to grow include Chioggia, because it’s so pretty and Wintersonne, which is a golden beet.
Most beetroot varieties require similar growing conditions. I like to plant a few different varieties to keep things interesting!
Preparing the Ground for Successful Beets
There are two key attributes to bear in mind for great beets.
- The soil should be free draining. The roots don’t like to sit in soggy ground.
- There should be lots of organic matter in your soil.
Organic matter ensures that the soil has a good structure for the roots to grow in. It also makes nutrients available to the growing plants, enabling them to grow into strong and healthy beets. Organic matter includes well rotted manure, homemade compost, shop bought compost.
Don’t forget to choose a sunny site for your beets.
Sowing Beetroot
There are two options when it comes to sowing beets:
- Sow directly outside
- Sow indoors first, then plant out
I usually use a combination of both approaches, as it minimizes the risks in either and gives me the best chance of success.
Option 1. Sow Directly Outside
Advantages:
- Saves time transplanting later
- Avoids the risk of transplant shock
Disadvantages:
- You have to wait until the soil is warm enough to sow the seeds (late March/April in the UK)
- Emerging seedlings are very prone to slugs and birds annihilating the crop
To sow directly into the ground or raised bed take a seed (which is actually a cluster) and sow it 1 – 2cm (0.5 – 1 inch) deep and approx 5cm (2 inch) apart. Dig a shallow trench across your bed to sow the seeds.
The seeds are actually quite big, which makes them relatively easy to plant individually.
I sow successionally, which means I sow a few seeds every couple of weeks, this means that the beets will be ready to harvest throughout the season.
Option 2: Sow into Seed Modules or Seed Trays Inside
Advantages:
- More control
- Can start earlier in the growing season (late Feb is a good time to start beetroot in the greenhouse), which means the beetroot will be ready earlier in the season
- No pests to cause damage
Disadvantages
- Takes more time to sow and then transplant
- There is a risk of transplant shock if they are not hardened off appropriately
To sow into modules, fill the module with potting compost. Firm the compost down, make a small hole and plant 1 or 2 seeds into each module. Water well. Seeds should germinate within about a week.
Once the soil is warm enough (late April/May) and the plants are big enough (around 5 cm, 2 inches tall) they can be transplanted.
They first need to be hardened off, by taking them outside during the day and returning them indoors at night. Another way to harden off plants is to brush them with your hand gently to mimic the wind on the leaves.
Thin each node of the module to around 3 seedlings. To transplant space them around 5 cm (2 inches) apart, make a small hole and pop the contents of the whole module in.
To minimise root disturbance when they are being transplanted, beetroot can be grown in gutters indoors. Once they have been hardened off the process is to make a gutter shaped depression in your prepared soil. Then simply slide the contents of the growing gutter into the depression and the roots should carry on growing without disturbance.
The First Secret to Successful Beetroot: Thin Out Seedlings
Growing beetroot is about thinning out, but there is a balance.
Because each seed is a cluster, as the seeds germinate there can be up to 6 little seedlings growing. These need to be thinned to around 3 or 4, once the seedlings are established.
Then as the beet roots start to form there will be a need for more thinning. This is harvesting and thinning at the same time, baby beets can be taken off the cluster to allow space for the other two or three to grow bigger. Generally there will be one or two that grow bigger first, so it will be obvious which one to harvest.
Beetroots like the company of each other when they are young to grow together, but as they mature you need to give them space to grow into themselves.
Don’t forget that every thinning is edible – small leaves can be eaten as microgreens. Then larger leaves in salads. And baby beets and middle sized beets can be eaten how you like them best.
Watering and Weed Management
Finding the Right Balance with water (the second secret to successful beet growing)
Beetroot plants prefer moist conditions but not in excess. Too much water can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the roots. Conversely, too little water can stunt the plant’s growth. Striking the right balance is key to thriving beetroot.
Combating Weeds
The reason that weeds can be such a problem is that they steal nutrients meant for your beetroots. Tackle them early when they are small to prevent them from becoming a problem.
Addressing Common Problems
Birds
Young beetroot plants are vulnerable to bird attacks. Protect your seedlings with netting until they are strong enough to withstand the birds.
Slugs
Keep an eye out for these pests, particularly when your beetroot plants are young. Implement slug control measures to safeguard your crops.
Leaf Miners
If you notice signs of leaf miners (browning patches on the leaves), promptly pick off affected leaves, crush them (to kill the larvae and break the cycle of the flies developing), and add them to your compost. This proactive approach helps maintain the health of your beetroot plants.
Sowing with Companions
Beetroot can be grown in a row in the garden on its own. OR it can be successfully planted as a companion.
It can be used to fill spaces in the garden. For example when squash plants are young beetroots can be grown in the gaps in between. It will be ready for harvest before the slower growing squash has shaded it out.
It can be grown alongside tomatoes or beans too.
Remember that ‘nature abhors a vacuum’ which means that something will grow on bare soil – if nothing else is there, it will be weeds. Beetroot is such a great companion because it can grow in these spaces, reducing the weed problem.
Successful companion planting requires you to think about the roots. We don’t want roots to clash, each plant needs its own space for roots to grow. Beetroot has a predominant single deep root which is the beet which is what makes it such a great companion. It can grow well alongside other plants with longer flatter roots.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labour
You can see the beets that are ready when their shoulders are poking out of the soil. Pull firmly from the base of the leaves to get the root out of the ground. When harvesting along a row, I tend to go along and pull a beet out where I see one ready and leave the rest to continue to grow.
Once harvested, chop the leaves off straight away, otherwise the leaves will continue to extract moisture and nutrients from the root causing it to go dry and woody.
Both the beetroot and the leaves can be enjoyed. I like to bake it into cakes and add it to hummus.
In fact the leaves can be harvested the whole time that the beetroot is growing, as long as you are careful and only harvest a small amount. The leaves are important to help the growing beet. But the loss of a couple of leaves infrequently does not affect the performance. And they are delicious and nutritious!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does beetroot take to grow from seeds?
Beetroot seeds typically take about 7 to 14 days to germinate. From germination to harvest, it usually takes around 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Will beetroot grow in poor soil?
While beetroot prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, it can tolerate a range of soil types. However, poor soil may result in stunted growth and subpar yields.
If you know that your soil is poor, then simply add organic matter to the surface, This will vastly enhance your chance of success.
How many beetroot do you get from one plant?
On average, you can expect to harvest 2 to 4 beetroots per seed planted. Proper thinning and adequate spacing contribute to larger beetroot sizes.
Can you grow beetroot in pots?
Yes, beetroot can be successfully grown in pots or containers. Choose a container with sufficient depth, use well-draining potting mix, and ensure the container receives adequate sunlight. Container gardening allows for flexibility and is ideal for limited garden space.
Why are my beets all tops and no bottoms?
If your beets are producing lush foliage but inadequate roots, there could be a couple of issues
- Overcrowding
- Over watering
Beets need space to develop roots properly, so thin them out to allow sufficient room for each plant to grow both above and below the soil.
Beets need adequate moisture, the soil should remain moist, but not too much as it can encourage leafy growth.
What month are beetroot ready to harvest?
Beetroot is typically ready to harvest 8 to 10 weeks after sowing, depending on the variety. When they are ready will depend on when they were planted. Typically they can be harvested from May through to October. Harvest when the roots reach the desired size, usually around 2 to 3 inches in diameter, for optimal flavor and texture.
Beetroot, like all seeds, wants to grow. Use your intuition, provide the best conditions that you are able to, keep an eye on the plants and if things look wrong adjust. You are most likely to succeed with this approach.
I hope this guide to beetroot cultivation has been helpful, I would love to hear how you have got on with your beetroot journey in the comments below.