An easy crop to grow, Beetroots are best harvested when young and tender and cooked from fresh. There are three kinds, Globe, Cylindrical and Long but Globe is certainly the most popular due to it being the sweetest and easiest to grow successfully. The leaves can be cooked like spinach or used fresh in a salad. Beetroot can also be stored over the winter or preserved through pickling. By sowing little and often, you can have a long harvest period of young roots. Choose a golden variety for something different or stick to old favourites like Boltardy, which is bolt resistant.

Soil & Growing Position

Beetroot tolerates most soils but prefers a sunny spot in sandy soil which is Ph neutral, so add in some lime if your soil is acidic. Ideally prepare the patch in autumn, digging in some compost to add humus if necessary. Do not be tempted to dig in manure prior to planting as this will cause the roots to split.
Rake Growmore into the seedbed in spring two weeks prior to planting.

Sowing from Seed

Pre-soak the seeds for 24 hours prior to planting to aid germination. Seeds can be sown outside from late winter under cloches or growing tunnels otherwise wait until the soil has warmed in early spring. Choose a bolt resistant variety such as Boltardy for early sowings. Sow two seeds together 1" deep, 4" apart, in rows 12" apart. Sow at fortnightly intervals from early spring to mid summer. Sow in June for October harvesting and storing over winter.

Growing on and Young Plants

Thin out when the seedlings are about 1" high, leaving one seedling per station and dispose of thinnings. Protect the young seedlings from birds with netting or a growing tunnel. Plants take between approximately 11 weeks (Globe) and 16 weeks (Long) from sowing to harvest. Baby beets should be ready in June/July, around 9-12 weeks after sowing.

Crop Care

Ensuring the the soil is kept moist will prevent woody roots, which is caused by dry soil and also prevents splitting which occurs when the soil suddenly becomes wet again. Water every 2 weeks during dry spells and use a mulch to aid moisture retention. Don't overwater as this directs growth away from the swelling roots to the leaves, causing excessive foliage.
Young plants may turn to seed prematurely if the seedlings experience a cold spell so protect accordingly if colder temperatures are forecast.
Protect the young seedlings from birds.

Harvesting

Harvest when they are the size of a golf ball and pull up alternate plants, leaving others to reach maturity but do not allow them to grow bigger than a cricket ball. Use a fork to lift and be careful not to damage the roots.
Beets can be stored by removing all the soil and then placing in boxes between layers of dry peat or sand. Store in a cool dry place such as a shed.