Beetroot is an easy crop to grow. The roots are best picked when young and cooked fresh. Pickling is another option. If roots are stored in winter you can have beetroot almost all year round.
For best results you should sow little and often and harvest the roots when young and tender.
Sow two seeds at 10cm (4in) intervals, 2.5cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart.
Sow at fortnightly intervals from mid-April to July for a succession of tender, tasty roots; those sown from June onwards can be used for storing in winter.
When the seedlings are about 2.5cm (1in) high thin out to leave one seedling per 10cm (4in) station.
Dry soils will lead to woody roots, so make sure the soil is always moist; preserve soil moisture by adding a mulch.
Young beet plants are sensitive to cold weather and may turn to seed prematurely if seedlings experience a cold spell.
'Bikores' and 'Boltardy' are bolt-resistant cultivars and should be your first choice for early sowing. Sow under cloches or in a frame in early March.
First earlies should be ready to lift in June and July, second earlies in July and August, maincrops from late August through October.
Pull up alternative plants once they have reached golf ball size to use as a tasty treat in the kitchen; leave the others to reach maturity. Harvest these when no bigger than a cricket ball.
