Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable
Beetroot
Beta vulgaris · Amaranth family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, direct sown
MATURITY 50–70 days
TYPE Biennial, grown as annual, direct sown
MATURITY 50–70 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
8–10cm × 30cm
Depth
1–2cm
01Thinning
Each beetroot "seed" is actually a dried cluster containing several true seeds, so multiple seedlings sprout from one spot. Thin to the strongest seedling per cluster at 5cm tall, or roots will crowd and stay small.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow 1–2cm deep; each cluster produces several seedlings needing thinning.
Soil
Loose, stone-free, fine tilth. Compacted or stony soil causes forked, misshapen roots.
Timing
Sow from early spring through late summer for successive harvests.
03Growing care
- Thin to the strongest seedling per cluster at 5cm tall, 8–10cm apart.
- Keep soil evenly moist — inconsistent watering causes woody, ringed roots.
- Side-dress lightly with compost at 3–4 weeks; avoid excess nitrogen.
- Mulch to conserve moisture around the shallow root zone.
04Problems
- Leaf miner — pale tunnels in leaves; remove affected leaves, net young plants.
- Boron deficiency — internal black spot; feed compost or seaweed tonic.
- Bolting — premature flowering from a cold snap; sow once frost risk has passed.
- Scab — corky patches from dry, alkaline soil; water evenly, keep pH near neutral.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Roots reach 4–6cm across (golf to tennis ball). Pull baby beets earlier if preferred.
Method
Loosen soil, then pull gently by the leaves close to the crown.
Curing
Twist tops off 2cm above the crown — cutting causes bleeding. No curing needed.
Storage
Roots keep 2–3 months cool and humid (fridge crisper or damp sand). Use leaves within days.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
OnionGarlicBrassicasLettuceBush beans
Avoid nearby
Pole beans
Rotation note
Avoid following spinach or chard (same family) for 2 years. Rotate well with legumes and brassicas.