Growing beetroots is simple and rewarding. They offer tasty, round roots perfect for boiling, roasting, or pickling. Their young, colourful leaves make a great addition to salads. In turn, mature leaves can be cooked like spinach. You’ll find beetroots in various colours, such as orange, yellow, and pink.
Beetroots thrive in cool seasons, doing their best in spring and autumn. They need temperatures around 16°C (50°F). These plants don’t take up much space, making them perfect for small gardens or pots. You can start picking them as early as 40 days in, with most ready within 50 to 60 days.
Harvest them when they’re anywhere between the size of a golf ball or a cricket ball. Be careful not to let them grow too big, or they might become tough. Now, let’s dive into the details of growing beets at home.
Key Takeaways
- Beetroots are easy to grow and provide a delicious, nutritious harvest.
- They can be grown in a variety of colours, including orange, yellow, and pink.
- Beetroots are a cool-season crop, thriving in spring and autumn temperatures.
- They can be grown in containers or small spaces, making them ideal for home gardeners.
- Beetroots can be harvested when they are the size of a golf ball up to a cricket ball.
Introduction to Growing Beets
Beetroots are both sweet and colourful. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and other good stuff. They’re very simple to grow from seeds. Plant little amounts often from spring to mid-summer. This way, you’ll have fresh beetroots from early to mid-autumn.
You can even store late harvests for winter. This means you can have your own beetroot almost all year. They are rarely attacked by bugs or diseases. Just make sure they get enough water.
Use varieties that are good against going to seed in the cold or in hot summers.
Benefits of Growing Beets at Home
Planting your own beets brings many good things. First, you get beetroots that taste amazing. Plus, you always have fresh, healthy veg throughout the growing season. They are not treated with chemicals, so they’re good for you and the earth. Growing beets teaches you a lot. It’s a great hobby, especially if you’re just starting out.
Types of Beetroots
Home gardeners can choose from various beetroot types. Besides the usual deep purple, you get roots in orange, yellow, and pink-and-white. The different colours brighten up your garden. They also show different tastes. Dark roots taste stronger while lighter ones are sweeter.
Choosing Beetroot Varieties
Growing beets at home offers many options. Choose from numerous varieties. For early sowing, go for those that resist bolting. This helps as bolting can ruin root growth early.
Bolt-resistant Varieties
‘Boltardy’ is a top choice. It grows deep-red, globe-shaped beetroots. These are perfect for cooler weather, when bolting is more likely.
Colourful Beetroot Options
Beetroots aren’t just purple. You can find them in bright colours like crimson, orange, and yellow. Even white and pink-and-white striped varieties exist.
The paler ones are less likely to stain hands. But the reds and yellows are rich in antioxidants. Not only tasty but healthy too!
Varieties with Edible Leaves
Don’t toss those beetroot leaves. They’re great cooked or raw, like spinach. Varieties like ‘Bull’s Blood’ boast deep-red, glossy leaves. They add a colourful zing to salads.
Preparing the Soil
Getting the soil ready is key to growing great beets. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sun and has soil rich in nutrients. Make sure the soil is not too wet. Clear any weeds from the area. Then, add lots of organic matter like compost or manure. This step will make the soil better at draining and provide the food your beetroots need to be healthy.
Soil Requirements
The best soil for beetroots is slightly acidic to neutral. It should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They like soil that drains well and is full of good stuff. If your soil is heavy clay, you can mix in compost to help.
Adding Organic Matter
To make the soil ideal for beets, use lots of organic matter. This could be compost, manure, or both. Mix in about 4-6 inches of these materials. It will make the soil hold water better, let air in, and provide more nutrients.
Pre-warming the Soil
For planting beetroots early, warm the soil first. This is especially helpful in heavy clay. Use cloches or plastic sheeting to keep the sun’s warmth in. Wait until the soil is at least 7°C (45°F) to plant your seeds. Keep the covering on until the plants are well established.
Sowing Beetroot Seeds
Beetroot seeds are larger and easy to sow. They come in clusters. You can sow them directly in the ground or start indoors from early spring to mid-summer.
Sowing Indoors
In colder areas, start seeds indoors. Use modular trays and plant each cluster in the middle. Do this at a depth of 2.5cm (1in).
Direct Sowing Outdoors
The easiest way is to plant beetroot seeds outside. Do this when the weather warms up, from late March to July. Make sowings every two weeks for a long harvest season.
Sowing in Containers
You can also grow beetroots in large containers. Make sure they’re at least 40cm (16in) wide. Choose varieties with rounded roots.
Caring for Beetroot Plants
If you aim for big roots, thin out the seedlings when they reach 2.5cm (1in) in height. Space plant 10cm (4in) apart, keeping stronger plants. But, if you plan to harvest them when they’re small, about the size of a golf ball, you can plant them closer.
Make sure to water the seedlings often until they become well-rooted and grow strong. Once they’re established, beetroots usually don’t need as much water, but moist soil will keep their roots tender. If it’s dry or the soil drains quickly, water them every 10–14 days.
Feeding and Weeding
If the plants aren’t doing well, use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser like sulphate of ammonia. Apply 30g (1oz) per square metre/yard and then water them. Also, remember to weed so the plants have less competition for nutrients and water.
Harvesting Beetroots
Beetroots are ready to pick from early summer to mid-autumn. The exact time depends on when you planted them and the type you chose. First, use a hand fork to loosen the soil around the plants. Then, gently pull up the plants every other one once their roots are as big as golf balls.
Keep the smaller beetroots to grow larger. The big ones, which should be no larger than a cricket ball, are ready to harvest.
When to Harvest
Beetroots can be enjoyed raw when they’re young. Cooking them by steaming or roasting enhances their sweet, earthy taste. You can also use the leaves. Pick them with the roots, or take a few from each plant during the season for salads or cooking.
If you plant beetroots from June, you can harvest them in autumn. They will last through the winter. Remember, medium-sized roots are better for storage than small ones. Aim for these to keep your supply lasting.
Harvesting Techniques
When you pick beetroots, be gentle. Don’t damage them. Take off any soil and then cut or twist the leaves off about 2.5cm from the base. This step is important to keep the roots fresh during storage.
Storing Beetroots
To store them, put the beetroots in a box of dry sand, potting compost, or coir. Keep this box in a cool, dark spot like a garage. If you store them well, they will last for a few months. This means you can enjoy your homegrown beetroots even in winter.
Common Problems and Solutions
When growing beetroots, most problems can be avoided. They’re strong against pests and diseases. Still, a gardener should know about some key issues to watch for.
Beetroot seedlings may suffer from slugs and snails. Focus on keeping these pests away. Use nematodes or plant in a container. You can also put a barrier of crushed eggshells around your plants.
If birds start pulling up your young plants, it can be frustrating. A simple solution is to use a net or horticultural fleece. This stops the birds from harming your crop.
While some problems can happen, they are not too common. With good care, you can tackle these issues easily. The reward of enjoying your homegrown beetroots is truly fulfilling!
Cooking and Eating Beetroots
Beetroots can be tasty when eaten in various ways, such as raw, steamed, or roasted. When dealing with red beetroots, wearing gloves can keep your hands stain-free. You can also cook the beetroot plant’s leaves, often as spinach, making a great salad item.
Preparation Methods
There are many ways to enhance the flavour and colour of beetroots. Adding grated raw beetroots to salads or coleslaws brings a lovely crunch and earthy taste. Steamed or roasted beetroots, when sliced, offer a sweet, caramel-like dish.
For a quick dish, bake small pieces of beetroot with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Beetroot Recipes
Beetroots can fit into all kinds of recipes. They’re great in salads, like a bright beetroot and goat’s cheese mix. Roasted beetroots also work well in pasta, soups, and even as flavouring for homemade pasta.
For something sweet, pickled beetroots or beetroot chutney can be delightful.
Where to Buy Beetroot Seeds
Looking for beetroot seeds in the UK? You’re in luck. They’re easy to find. You can get them at garden centres, online shops, and some supermarkets. This makes finding the right seeds for you simple.
Buying online is a good idea. You’ll find a huge choice on specialist websites. They have everything from the classic red beetroots to more unusual types. They might even have won a top gardening award. This shows they’re great for the UK’s weather.
Prefer shopping in person? Visit a garden centre. They often have a big seed area. You’ll see lots of beetroot options there. The staff can give you advice too. They’ll help you choose what’s best for you.
Believe it or not, supermarkets can also have beetroot seeds. Look near the gardening stuff or in the seasonal aisles. It’s not as big a range as other places, but it’s handy if you’re already there shopping.
Where you buy your beetroot seeds matters. Pick ones that are good quality and suit the UK’s weather. With so many good seeds out there, you’ll soon be enjoying your homegrown beetroot.
Best Beetroot Varieties
When looking for top beetroot varieties, consider ‘Boltardy’. It resists bolting and its roots are deep-red with sweetness. Another great choice is ‘Chiogga’. It has pink-and-white rings, adding beauty to your garden or meals.
For a kind with high sugar and smooth, globe-shaped roots, choose ‘Kestrel’. ‘Cylindra’ has long, easy-to-slice roots, great for many dishes. ‘Pablo’ is sweet and reliable for various uses, while ‘Red Ace’ grows vigorously and is good for showing off.
For both new and experienced gardeners, these beetroot types promise a good harvest. They come in different colours, shapes, and tastes, meeting all needs. There’s a perfect beetroot out there for every gardener.
| Beet Variety | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Boltardy’ | Deep-red, globe-shaped roots, resistant to bolting | Early spring and summer sowing |
| ‘Chiogga’ | Attractive pink-and-white rings | Adding colour to salads and dishes |
| ‘Kestrel’ | Smooth, globe-shaped roots with high sugar content | Versatile all-purpose use |
| ‘Cylindra’ | Long, cylindrical roots perfect for slicing | Roasting and pickling |
| ‘Pablo’ | Sweet, all-purpose variety | Ideal for beginners |
| ‘Red Ace’ | Vigorous grower, suitable for exhibiting | Showing off your homegrown produce |
Conclusion
Growing beets at home was a great experience. It gave me lots of tasty vegetables. I learned how to choose the best kinds, plant them with care, and then harvest their big, colourful roots.
Doesn’t matter if you have a big garden or just a few pots, beets are great to grow. They became a big part of the veggies I grow at home. Now, I get to enjoy fresh, sweet beets all the time. And, I had fun and learned a lot along the way.
Looking back on growing beets makes me really happy. I loved watching them grow from tiny seeds to big roots. This guide showed me the joy of growing my own food. Now, I feel ready to try growing other important crops too.
