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Beetroot
Beta vulgaris
Sweet earthy roots plus edible leafy tops — a two-in-one crop.
Sun
Full sun
Water
2.5 cm / week
Soil
Loose, pH 6.5–7.0
Spacing
10 cm apart
Days to harvest
50–70 days
Hardiness
Zones 3–10
Seasonal Calendar
S
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Sow Harvest
The method
- 1
Sow direct
Each 'seed' is a cluster — thin seedlings to one per station.
- 2
Keep moist
Uneven watering makes roots woody and rings pale.
- 3
Harvest young
Pull at golf-ball to tennis-ball size for the sweetest flavor.
Common problems
Woody roots
Water regularly and don't leave in ground too long.
Poor germination
Soak seeds overnight before sowing.
Good neighbors
LettuceOnionKohlrabi
Field tips
- “Use the young leaves in salads like chard.”
- “Roast whole in foil — the skins slip right off.”