Beetroot (often referred to colloquially as, "beets," or beta vulgaris) is a sweet, healthy vegetable rich in antioxidants. The antioxidants in beetroot, contained in the red pigment of the beetroot itself, work to prevent cancer and protect the liver. Beetroot is easy to grow and is constantly listed in the top 10 vegetables for the home garden.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Planting Seeds
Step 1. Choose one between seeds or seeds
It is usually readily available at your local nursery or plant center. Don't be afraid to grow from seed – beets are notoriously easy to care for.
The "Boltardy" variety of beetroot is especially good if you are starting sowing early. The white and gold varieties take half as long as normal to grow and are less conspicuous when served in salads (beets don't have a great carmine color). Apart from that, the type of beetroot you choose will determine the appearance and taste of the beetroot itself
Step 2. Choose a suitable space for growing
Beetroot likes a neutral, moist, fertile soil, soil that does not have a high acidity level (pH 6.5-7.0). The soil should be soft and not too silt or too much sand; however, because sweet potatoes grow on the surface, clay is acceptable if the top has been given a lot of decaying organic matter (don't add unless the soil contains a lot of silt). The room should be in a place that is exposed to sunlight and is open but still shaded.
If you want to plant in late fall or early spring, it's a good idea to apply a granulated fertilizer a few weeks before sowing and hoe the soil to allow the soil to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer
Step 3. Know that you can also grow beets in pots
If you have round beetroot (which you probably have – as long, cylindrical beets are a rare type to grow), a pot works well, be aware that the pot should be 20cm (8in) in diameter and 20cm (8in) deep.).
Fill the pot to the top with an all-purpose, compostable manure. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface and cover with 2cm (0.75in) of compost manure. Then, when the seedlings reach 2cm (about 1inch) in height, remove the fragile parts of the seedlings to give the other strong parts room to grow –; aim for about 12cm (5 inch) between seeds
Step 4. Clear the soil so that it is ready for planting
Remove weeds and unnecessary components, such as rocks that can prevent roots from growing. The soil should be tilled to a depth of one spade blade. Level the surface and scrape the top to loosen the soil.
- If you have hard soil, it is best to prepare it in late fall. When the soil is softer, aim for early spring. If you plant in the fall, allow the topsoil to harden so the winter weather can break it down.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, sow the seeds at the end of the cold. In the southern hemisphere, sow seeds from September to February.
Step 5. Sow seeds or plant seedlings
Sow the beetroot seeds 2cm (3/4"-1") deep. Keep seeds or seedlings about 5 to 10cm (2-4") apart. It is very easy to plant beets in rows.
If you are successful in planting, sow beets every 14 days for a sustainable harvest. This is an easy way to be successful in harvesting
Method 2 of 3: Caring for Seeds
Step 1. Water every day until the leaves start to grow
At first, your seeds need a lot of water to start the growing process. The roots will get moisture from the soil once the roots are ready to receive it.
- That said, avoid giving too much water. Because it will cause the beetroot to release more leaves and less roots, and there is a risk of "bolting" (removing flowers but not producing vegetables). Also, too little water causes the roots to dry out.
- When the beetroot has sprouts, water it every 10-14 days when it is dry. Also when the weather is unnaturally dry, regular rain of beetroot will still be fine.
Step 2. Prune the beetroot
When the beets have leaves about 2cm (1inch) apart, spread them at least 10cm (4inch) apart. Do this by removing the fragile parts of the seedling, leaving only the strong leaves.
- Some people suggest a distance of more than 10cm. If you have more space, you may want to be a little more generous.
- Some people also suggest pruning the beetroot twice –; once now and again when the beetroot leaves grow a few centimeters. All choices are yours.
Step 3. Fertilize your plants
Add 4–6 liters (1.1–1.6 US gal) of organic fertilizer for every 10 square meters of garden. Add a thin layer of compost or manure. You may also want to apply 30g of nitrogen-rich fertilizer per square meter if your plants are not growing properly.
Step 4. Watch the birds and weeds
Depending on your area, you may need to plan ways to protect your plants and keep them away from animals. For weeds, you will need to remove them by hand. If you see one growing, get rid of it. However, be careful when removing them. Avoid using a hoe or other sharp object near the roots or you will damage them. Removing weeds by hand is the best way.
Method 3 of 3: Harvesting and Storing Sweet Potatoes
Step 1. Harvest (some) of your crop
When you start looking at the roots, you'll know how big a yam you have. Beetroot is ready for harvest when it is about the size of a small orange; too big and it won't taste good. Do this by holding the top and pulling the roots up with a fork or spade-shaped tool.
In general, beets will be ready about 8 weeks after sowing, or when the plant reaches 2.5cm (1 inch) in diameter. Many people use another method of harvesting, harvesting some of the beets and leaving the others until they are fully ripe. This method will make other beetroots grow larger quickly. Beetroots about 7.5cm (3 in) in diameter usually have the best taste
Step 2. Leave some of the beetroot in the soil for the season
If you want, you can leave some beets in the ground until next spring, but you still need to take care of them. Cover the beets with dry grass or straw. As long as winter temperatures don't fall below -18ºC/0ºF, this will allow you to remove the protective layer of straw and dig up more roots through the winter.
Note that this may cause the beetroot to grow with a hard texture
Step 3. Be careful with the top
Do not cut the leaves; preferably, remove them by turning about 5cm (2 inches). This will prevent the sweet potato from spoiling, which will cause the beetroot to lose flavor and color.
This doesn't mean you have to throw it away, however. The top can still be stored, cooked, and eaten like spinach. Believe it or not, these leaves are rich in flavour
Step 4. Save it for later use
Plant roots should also be stored, to make them ideal for winter supplies. Beetroot can be stored in an ice-free wooden box covered with sand, in a dry environment.
To do this, take a storage bin and cover the bottom with 5cm (2 inch) of sand. Put the beetroot. Then, do it until the storage area is full. The sand will keep the beetroot from growing and keep the taste fresh
Tips
- Beetroot can withstand cold.
- Beetroot is best grown in moderate temperatures and warm soil.
- Each beetroot seed produces three to four roots. This does not apply to all; It is advisable to pick the ones that stand out first, to let the others have a better chance to grow.
- Soak the seeds before planting to help them grow.
