Beetroots are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be enjoyed roasted, boiled, pickled, or juiced. They’re also relatively easy to grow in your home garden, even if you’re a beginner. With a little care, you can harvest a bounty of sweet, tender beets all season long.
Here are 7 essential tips for growing and caring for beetroots
1. Choose the right variety
There are many different varieties of beetroots to choose from, each with its own unique flavor, size, and color. For early harvests, choose a fast-maturing variety, such as ‘Early Wonder’ or ‘Bull’s Blood’. If you have more space, try a larger variety, such as ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Chioggia’.
2. Plant your seeds at the right time
Beetroots are a cool-season crop, so they can be planted in early spring or early fall. In most climates, it’s best to plant seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost in the spring. If you’re planting in the fall, plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
3. Prepare your soil
Beetroots prefer loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or aged manure before planting. You can also raise the beds to improve drainage.
4. Sow your seeds
Sow beetroot seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they have a few true leaves.
5. Water regularly
Beetroots need consistent moisture to grow well. Water your plants deeply and evenly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. Fertilize lightly
Beetroots don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can make the roots tough and woody. If your soil is poor, you can side-dress your plants with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
7. Harvest your beets
Beetroots are ready to harvest when they reach about 1-2 inches in diameter. You can gently pull them from the ground, or use a shovel to loosen the soil around them. Be careful not to bruise the roots.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to growing a bountiful harvest of delicious beetroots. Enjoy!
Bonus tips:
- Beet greens are also edible! They can be added to salads, stir-fries, or juiced.
- To prevent bolting (going to seed), make sure your beetroots don’t get stressed by drought, heat, or lack of nutrients.
- Beetroots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
