Introduction
Beetroot is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that’s relatively easy to grow in the southeast of the UK. Known for its sweet, earthy flavour and vibrant colours, beetroot can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, or cooked in various dishes, making it a popular choice for home gardens.
Why grow beetroot?
Beetroot is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, folate, and minerals such as potassium and manganese. Growing your own ensures you have access to fresh, chemical-free produce that can be harvested at its peak flavor and nutritional content.
Suitability for different growing environments
Beetroot thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH level around neutral. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It’s well-suited to both garden beds and containers (but they do better in the ground), providing flexibility in garden design. Beetroot has a fairly deep tap root, so it benefits from a bit of depth (12 wide and deep is ideal). Like many leafy greens it will tolerate light shade, especially in summer.
Lifecycle
In optimal conditions, beetroot planted in spring or summer typically delays going to seed until the following year. However, if sown too early or exposed to stress such as cold or dry conditions, beetroot may prematurely bolt and flower before summer harvest.
💡 Unlike many vegetables, after flowering, beetroot’s taste is not affected; it simply shifts growth from the roots to the flowers.
While it’s possible to sow beetroot in autumn for an early spring crop, this increases the risk of the plants bolting in spring, resulting in only leafy growth before flowering. Since beetroot harvested in autumn stores well until May, there’s little necessity for an extremely early crop.
Sowing and harvesting periods
- Sowing: Early spring to midsummer (March to July)
- Harvesting: Late spring to early winter (June to November)
Recommended varieties
Popular beetroot varieties for the UK include:
- ‘Boltardy’
- ‘Chioggia’
- ‘Golden Detroit’
How to sow
Sow seeds in a 40 cell tray about a third of an inch (1cm) deep. Germination is usually good, but in some circumstances you might benefit from soaking the seeds for an hour.
How to prick out/pot on
Beetroot seedlings do not require pricking out. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart once they are large enough to handle, ensuring each plant has enough space to grow.
Where to plant
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil fertility and structure. Rotate crops annually to prevent disease buildup.
How many to plant (spacing)
Plant beetroot 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) apart within rows spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Adequate spacing ensures roots have room to develop and facilitates airflow to minimize disease.
How to plant
Directly sow beetroot seeds into prepared, weed-free soil. Cover lightly with soil, water gently, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.
Protecting your plants
Protect young beetroot seedlings from frost with fleece or cloches. Monitor for pests like aphids and flea beetles, and treat early infestations promptly. Use companion planting with aromatic herbs to deter pests naturally.
How to feed and water
Water beetroot consistently to prevent the roots from becoming tough or woody. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost before planting to provide essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it may promote leafy growth at the expense of root development.
How to propagate, prune/manage while growing
Thin seedlings to ensure proper spacing and promote robust root growth. Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Prune yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
How and when to harvest
Harvest beetroot when roots reach desired size, typically 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter. Gently loosen soil around roots and lift them carefully to avoid damaging adjacent roots. Cut off leaves, leaving a small stem to prevent bleeding.
How to store
Store harvested beetroot in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Beetroot can also be pickled, canned, or frozen for long-term storage and culinary versatility.
How to eat/cook
Beetroot can be enjoyed raw, boiled, roasted, or pickled. It adds colour and flavour to salads, soups, and side dishes. Try grating raw beetroot into salads or roasting it with herbs for a savoury treat.
How to deal with pests and disease
Monitor beetroot plants for signs of pests like aphids, leaf miners, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods such as handpicking pests or applying insecticidal soap. Rotate crops and practice good garden hygiene to prevent disease.
When and how to remove the plants
Remove beetroot plants after harvesting all roots. Cut back foliage and add to compost. Rotate crops annually to maintain soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure.
What to plant before and after
Plant beetroot after nitrogen-fixing legumes like peas or beans to improve soil fertility naturally. Avoid planting after other root crops to minimize disease and pest issues.
Follow beetroot with leafy greens, brassicas, or legumes that benefit from nutrient-rich soil. Rotate crops annually to maximize soil health and productivity.
What to interplant with
Companion plant beetroot with carrots, onions, or herbs like dill and mint to deter pests and maximize garden space. These plants complement each other and promote overall garden health.