Beetroot

Beetroot is a fairly straightforward vegetable to grow, which is probably why so many gardeners grow it.

The most common type is the Globe or Ball Beetroot but other types include the oval (also known as the intermediate or tankard) and the Long. The Long variety is not grown very often, as today's tastes prefer the sweeter taste of the round types. It is also very large and is usually too big to fit most saucepans in the kitchen. There are also different colours of Beetroot and red, white and golden varieties are now available.

Beetroot are fairly tolerant of soil conditions but do best on a light sandy soil. They do however require an open sunny site.

They do not like a lot of manure in the ground and if too much is present, have a tendency to "fork".

Although Beetroot are reasonably hardy, seedlings can be damaged by frost.

Sow the seeds from April (they can be sown slightly earlier if given protection by a cloche) and sow at interval to give a succession of crops until the end of August.

The seeds are fairly large and are in clusters containing four or five seeds each. Sow each cluster 2" apart in rows 1" deep and 1' between rows. You may find that you get better germination if the clusters of seeds are soaked in water for a few hours before sowing.

When the seeds have germinated, thin out to the strongest seedlings, roughly 3" apart. When the seedling get a bit bigger thin them again to the final spacing of 6" apart.

Ensure that the plants do not run short of water or they may end up tasteless and distorted. Keep well weeded.

Beetroot, in its natural state, comes from near to the sea. Some gardeners recommend a light application of horticultural or sea salt in early or mid summer at the rate of 1oz to the yard run.

Pick the Beetroot while they are young and tender, usually about golf ball size. If left to get too big they become hard and 'woody'.

Lift the root by loosening the soil with a fork and then lift out by the leaves. The leaves should be twisted off the root and not cut off with a knife. Using a knife will cause the root to bleed and will detract from the flavour and colour of the root.

Towards the end of the growing season, Beetroot may be lifted and put into storage for winter use. Select a dry day to lift them and be careful not to damage the roots in any way. Line the bottom of a wooden box with 2" of sand or peat and place the roots in the box so that they are not touching. Cover with a layer of sand or peat and another layer of roots. Continue until the box is full and then store in a cool dry place such a garden shed or garage.

Beetroot do not normally suffer a great deal from pests or diseases but possible ones are Mangold flies, Beet Carrion Beetle, Swift Moth, Scab, Violet Root Rot, Beet Rust, Crown Gall, Boron Deficiency, Magnesium Deficiency, Manganese Deficiency and Damping off Disease. (See relevant Pests and Diseases sections)