How to Grow Beetroot from Seed
The following two lists shows what tools and equipment I used to grow the Beetroot. Not all are strictly necessary but they are listed for completeness. For example - or you can simply use string in place of a line marker - or you can use re-cycled pots from last year if you have them.
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Things You Will Need to Grow Beetroot
Tools You Will Need to Grow Beetroot
Step by Step Guide
If you want a quick overview then I suggest you first watch my Youtube Video How to Grow Beetroot from Seed . The following steps are also in the video but more detail is given in the sections below:
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Step 1. Buy Some Seeds
Beetroot Seeds
The variety that I am showing you how to grow here is called 'Detroit 2'.
On the rear of the packet are usually shown growing times and instructions for your region.
Step 2: Get A Seed Tray
Buy a Seedling Starter Tray
Step 3: Fill the Seed Tray with Compost
Fill the Seed Tray with
Compost
Press the compost down first to remove any air pockets.
Step 4: Water the Compost
Seeds need air, heat and water to germinate. It is best to moisten the compost before adding the seeds otherwise they can all be washed to the edges of the tray if you water afterwards.
Step 5: Place the Seeds on the Compost
Take the seeds from the packet and place them on the compost.
Place 2 seeds in each cell - in oposite corners.
Step 6: Cover the Seeds with Compost
Cover the seeds with 10mm (1/4 inch) of compost. Press the compost down gently to remove any air pockets. This allows the seeds to make contact with the moist compost and absorb water which they need to germinate.
Keep in a warm place and keep moist.
Step 7: Fit a Label
This is important, especially so if you have several Trays growing lots of plants. It can be several weeks until the seeds germinate and when they do it is not obvious what plants they are. So it is a good idea to identify them.
I use home made labels - sometimes from laminated paper and sometimes
from wooden stirrers from coffee shops. You can also buy ready made Labels
Step 8: Seeds Germinate
Within 14 to 21 days the seeds will germinate. Kepp warm and watered.
Keep warm and watered and the seedlings will gradually get larger.
Step 9: Plant Outside
When the plants have at least 6 leaves it is time to plant them outside.
Mark a line where you want to position the plants with a length of
string or use a Garden Line Marker
Use a Spade
Next use a Rake
Open up a small round hole in the soil using a Dibber
Give the plant tray a good watering. This makes the Beetroot easier to dig out and helps them during the transplanting process.
Hold the Beetroot plant by its leaves and carefully remove it from the seed tray. If its roots tangle with the other plant in the cell then gently tease them apart.
Place the Beetroot root in the hole and gently press soil around it being careful not to damage it.
The plants should be spaced 2 finger widths apart. Each row should be 10cm (4 inches) apart in rows that are 30cm (12 inch) apart.
Give the plants a good soaking to establish them into position. Dont worry if they look limp in the first few days. Keep watering and they will quickly recover.
Step 10: Keep Weed free and Watered
Keep weed free and watered.
The plants will slowly mature.
Step 11: Harvest
When the roots are 5 to 7.5cm (2 to 3 inch) in diameter it is time to pull them from the ground
Harvest every second Beetroot as the extra space will encourage those left in the ground to grow bigger.
Twist the tops off as this prevents bleeding.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Beetroot has many health benefits as they are packed with essential nutrients. They are high in fiber and have great anti-oxidant properties.