How to Grow Beetroot - Tips for Planting and Harvesting

Beetroot can be found in a range of shades and flavours - even white, as seen below -  and it’s a good strategy to grow different varieties as this will keep the crop going over a long period. 

Here is just a very small sample of the variety of beetroot available from seed catalogues, garden centres and the internet.

Beetroot is an easy crop, but the slugs and snails love it! So keep an eye out and take protective measures against these slippery customers. Once they start munching on the delicious leaves the root doesn’t stand a chance. Sprinkling crushed egg shells along the seed row helps to deter them. Using a biological nematode control or organic slug pellets will all help keep slugs and snails at bay.

But, as every gardener knows, sometimes there is no substitute for going out at night with a torch and catching those critters in the act!

In short -  examine the area carefully and take no prisoners!

OK - let's get cracking!

• Prepare the soil by breaking it down with a fork, sieving it if needed. Beets are, of course, root vegetables so their growth can be impeded by large obstacles such as stones and pebbles.

• It’s also perfectly possible to grow a great crop of beets in good-sized containers, filled with John Innes No.2 compost or fine garden soil. With their attractive leaves they make an excellent addition to the garden.

• Sow the seed from mid-April to late June in a 2cm deep drill about 10cm apart. It’s a good idea to sow two seeds together which could be thinned out later on, just to ensure a good crop.

• For an early beetroot crop, sow the seeds in March under cloches for warmth. Bringing them on like this could encourage too much leaf and too little root so be sure to choose a variety of beet that is resistant to bolting.

• Once planted, water the row gently and at regular intervals thereafter. Beets love water – it prevents that woody texture that some beets get and also stops the root from splitting.

Generally speaking, spherical or global varieties of beetroot are ready to harvest after around ten weeks. Cylindrical varieties can take up to four months. Check the seed packet.

Harvest the beetroot crop when the roots are still quite small for tasty, succulent baby beets which can be pickled or eaten with salad. It's best not to allow the globes to grow larger than, say, a cricket ball or they tend to lose their flavour and smooth texture.

When harvesting, grasp the stalks firmly near the top of the root and pull out of the soil, or gently ease away the soil with a trowel, being careful not to damage the root.

Only store undamaged roots to prevent disease or rot setting in. Lay them in boxes separated by sand or peat in a cool, dark place. Hopefully they will last right through winter and into the following March.

Alternatively, beetroot makes wonderful pickles too and there is nothing more satisfying than a sparkling row of jewel-red beets, especially if they are home made!

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Beetroot is a wonderful vegetable, so sweet and so versatile.  It's a great addition to the home vegetable garden.  Oh, and don't forget those beet tops - they are delicious!