Beetroots are one of the vegetables that grow underground, which makes the development a mystery. I find beets the trickiest root vegetable to grow out of radishes, carrots, and beets. It took me some time to figure out precisely what they need to thrive.
Homegrown beets are far better than the ones you bought from the store. So trust me on this; your efforts will pay off when you pull these plump taproots from the soil.
You should grow your own beets to enjoy unbeatable garden-fresh flavor and crisp greens. Here’s everything you need to know on how to grow beetroot in your home garden.
How to Plant Beetroot
To plant beetroot in your garden, you need to:
Prepare The Ground
Pick a spot in your garden that gets full sun to partial shade. You can plant beetroot alongside or underneath taller crops. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter to give your beets a strong start.
Sow The Seeds
The easiest way to grow beetroot is by sowing seeds outdoors when spring temperatures rise, typically from late March or April through July. Use fleece or cloches for protection earlier in late February, and choose bolt-resistant varieties. Beetroots planted from June onward can be stored for winter use.
To ensure a continuous harvest, sow short rows every two weeks.
After preparing the soil, create drills 2.5 cm (1 in) deep and space the rows 30 cm (1 ft) apart. The corky seed clusters are large enough to handle easily. Water the base of the drill, then plant seeds 10 cm (4 in) apart.
Alternatively, if you have a limited space, you can grow smaller roots by sowing two or three seeds together in clusters spaced 15 cm (6 in) apart, which is perfect for baby vegetables.
Once planted, cover the seeds with soil and water the rows if the ground feels dry.
How to Grow Beetroot
Learn everything you need to know about how to grow beetroot successfully in your garden. I’ve put some simple tips to make it easy for you.
Thinning
If you want to grow large roots about the size of a cricket ball, thin out the seedlings when they reach about 2.5 cm (1 in) in height. Keep one plant every 10 cm (4 in) and remove the weaker ones. You can toss the thinnings into salads for a fresh addition!
Watering
Water seedlings regularly until they establish strong roots and show healthy growth.
Once established, beetroot plants typically require watering. However, keep the soil moderately moist to produce tender roots. Avoid overwatering, as it encourages excessive leafy growth instead of root development.
During dry periods or in well-draining soil, water plants every 10–14 days. Inconsistent watering can cause roots to split, while insufficient moisture may result in woody roots.
Feeding
If your beetroot plants show weak growth, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like sulfate of ammonia at 30 g (1 oz) per square meter/yard. After applying, water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Weeding
Weed regularly to minimize competition for nutrients and water. Close to the plants, weed by hand to prevent damaging the root tops with a hoe blade. Focus on weeding, especially during the early stages of growth when plants are young.
How to Harvest Beetroots
Looking at the beet greens clearly indicates when your beets are ready to harvest. In general, the size of the root mirrors the growth above ground.
When beets are ready, their shoulders often poke through the soil. If you don’t see them, gently brush away some soil to check. Ideally, the shoulders should measure about 3 inches in diameter. Here’s how to grow beetroot and harvest it successfully:
- Water the garden thoroughly the night before to ensure the soil is moist.
- The following day, use a trowel to loosen the soil around the base of the beets. It prevents the beet greens from breaking when you pull them.
- Gently tug on the beet greens to pull each root out and shake off the excess soil from your fresh harvest.
How to Store Beets from the Garden
Storing beets is the easiest part of learning how to grow beetroot! You only need to rinse your beet in cold water and let it dry naturally. Cut the beet greens, but leave about an inch attached.
If you have a root cellar or a cool basement, pack your beets in a container with sand, leaving the lid slightly ajar. This method can keep your beets fresh for up to 2 months. If not, store them in the fridge’s vegetable box inside a perforated plastic bag.
They’ll stay fresh for a few months before the flavor and texture begin to decline.
