An easy-to-grow crop that needs little maintenance and is ideal for first-time container gardeners
Beetroot is a simple plant to love. They have a gorgeous color , are generally fuss free and their greens make a delightful addition to salads.
Step 1: Sowing Your Seeds
Sow seeds about 1 cm deep, and at least 3 cm aparts Cover the beetroot seeds with a thin layer of soil after sowing. Germination takes 10 to 14 days in soil, though you can speed that up by soaking beet seeds in warm water about 30 minutes before planting. Soaking helps to soften the hard outer layer, so it is easier for germination to happen.
Step 2: Transplanting Beets
Beets should be transplanted in a pot that is at least 20 cm deep to allow the roots to spread and expand. Plant as many as 5 beets per pot, as long as you can leave about 3cm between plants. Remember to leave at least 3cm between the rim of the container as well, or your beets will not have room to expand. Ensure pots are filled with a nutrient rich veggie mix so that they get a healthy start!
Step 3: Taking Care Of Your Beets
Beets grown in containers need little maintenance if supplied with aerated conditions, enough water, and good drainage. They are susceptible to boron deficiency, and excess nitrogen promotes poor growth at the cost of root production, so good soil is critical. It is critical to keep them watered regularly so the soil stays moist, but not waterlogged.
Once the majority of the beet seeds have begun to sprout, thin them out by cutting at the base of unneeded seedlings. Do not pull these to avoid causing damage to the roots of the remaining beets. You want to allow at least 3 cm between plants
Fertilizer only after beets are around one month old with compost and vermicompost, or bone meal. This will encourage bigger root growth. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers as this will give you bushy tops with tiny roots.
Common pests: The common pests of the beetroot plants are aphids, spider mites, and rove beetles. Use a bi-weekly spray of neem oil solution to keep pests at bay.
Step 4:It’s Harvest Time
Beetroots can be harvested 7–8 weeks after planting. While young, tender tops are frequently mild in flavor, and are a great addition to salad.s the greens can be used till they become large and intensely flavored. Simply cut the outer olders leaves while ensuring there is at least 4 leaves left on the plant to harvest beet greens.
To tell when they are ready, lightly brush back soil at the base of the plant to gauge how big the roots have grown. Beetroots can harvest once they reach a diameter of about 3–5 cm, and are generally sweeter when they are smaller. Do not let them grow too big or they become fibrous.
Recipes That Are Simply Un-beet-able
