A traditional favourite with British gardeners, beetroot are easy to grow and care for, and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Depending on which variety you choose to grow, your crop could be ready in as little as 6 to 12 weeks, making this an ideal veggie to sow throughout the spring and summer for harvests that last well into the autumn.
Where to grow beetroot
Beetroot enjoy a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare for planting by digging plenty of organic matter into your beds ahead of sowing season. If you’re planting beets early in the spring, for best results, go for a bolt-resistant variety.
How to sow and grow beetroot
Sow beetroot directly into well-tilled soil or into containers in shallow drills at a depth of around 1cm (1/2”). Scatter your seeds thickly before covering lightly with soil. Water carefully using a watering can with a rosette to avoid disturbing the soil. Germination takes around 2 weeks depending on the weather.
How to care for beetroot
Be sure to keep the soil moist, particularly during the early stages of growth and, once your seedlings have established, thin them to give each plant enough space to grow. As your beetroot grows, pick out any dead leaves and hoe regularly to deter weeds. Harvest beetroot when it’s about the size of a golf ball.
Beetroot is delicious and incredibly good for you with scientific evidence suggesting it aids cognition, heart health, and can even boost your athletic performance. For more information about growing a host of healthy vegetables, head over to our Vegetable Growing Guides section where you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
