Beetroot Detroit

Sowing Beetroot Seeds 

Direct Sowing:

• Soak seeds overnight in water or Seasol solution to soften the corky coating. 
• Sow 1 cm deep, 10cm apart, in rows 40cm apart.
• Each seed is a cluster that produces 2 – 3 seedlings. 
• Thin seedlings to 10 cm apart once seedlings are 3 – 5cm tall to prevent overcrowding. 

Benefits:

1. Less work is involved
2. Reduces transplant shock

Sowing in Trays:

• Fill plug trays with seed raising mix.
• Plant 2 – 3 seeds per cell, 1cm deep. 
• Thin to 1–2 strong seedlings per cell after germination which should be 5 – 10 days. 
• Transplant seedlings outdoors when seedlings are 3 – 5cm tall, spacing 10 cm apart. 

Benefits:

1. Ideal for early starts or staggered planting.
2. Protects from pests and weather. 

Key Tips: Beetroots dislike root disturbance. Handle seedlings gently during transplanting. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Beetroot thrives with plants that deter pests, improve soil, or share space efficiently. 

Good Companions:

1. Onions/Garlic: Repel aphids and flea beetles. 
2. Bush beans/Peas: Fix nitrogen in soil, boosting beet growth. 
3. Lettuce/Spinach: Shallow roots avoid competition; lettuce may improve beet flavour. 
4. Cabbage family: Kohlrabi, kale, and broccoli loosen soil with deep roots. 
5. Radishes: Break up soil, deter pests, and act as a marker crop. 
6. Marigolds/Tagetes: Repel nematodes and attract pollinators. 

Avoid Planting With:

1. Nightshades (Tomatoes, Potatoes): Compete for nutrients and attract similar pests. 
2. Chard/Spinach: Same family (Chenopodiaceae); risk of disease spread. 
3. Corn/Leek: Shade beetroots or stunt growth. 

Pro Tip: Interplant with dill or oregano to enhance flavour and deter pests. 

Seed Saving Guide 

Beetroot is biennial; seeds form in the second year. 

Steps to Save Seeds 

1. Select Plants: Choose healthy, disease free beets. Allow only one variety to flower to prevent crosspollination. 

2. Overwintering: 

• In cold regions: Dig up roots in autumn. Trim leaves, store in damp sand (not touching) in a cool, frost free spot. 
• In warm climates: Leave roots in ground; mulch with straw. 

3. Replant in Spring: Space roots 10cm apart. Water regularly until flowering. 

4. Harvest Seeds: 

• Wait for seed heads to turn brown.
• Cut stalks and dry for 7 – 14 days. 
• Rub heads over a bowl to release seeds.
• Store in labelled jars in a cool, dark place.
• Viable for 3 years . 

 Troubleshooting Common Issues 

 Bolting: Caused by heat or drought.

• Use bolt resistant varieties such as Boltardy and mulch to retain moisture. 

 Pests: 

• Slugs/Snails: Use beer traps. 
• Leaf Miners: Remove affected leaves; cover with insect mesh. 

 Woody/Split Roots:

• Inconsistent watering.
• Keep soil evenly moist and avoid waterlogging . 

Harvesting Tips 

 Leaves:

• Harvest outer leaves at 4–6 weeks for salads. 

Roots:

• Pull baby beets at 3 – 6 cm or golfball size.
• Mature beets, up to 10cm, are edible but may be tougher.