Spinach beet

[fruitylala]

The outer leaves of mine keep going black and kind of slimy. The new leaves seem fine but when they grow a bit they go all wrong. Any ideas?? I've been cutting off the bad leaves.

[Cutecumber]

What are the growing conditions?

In a bed or a container? What kind of soil? What's your weather been like?

[fruitylala]

Oh sorry! They're in flat beds in garden. Weathers been pretty good, only a few short showers. When no rain i try to give light water every other day. I think i have clay soil.

[veg4681]

If your soil is clay, unfortunately this type of soil is poor for the garden. I have a friend whose house was built on a old mining pit, their soil is clay so they can only grow plants in pots.

You may consider getting topsoil/compost by the truck load to fill the garden or build a raised veggie bed (lesser topsoil to deal with) or use lots of pots for vegetable growing. All requiring getting soil/compost from somewhere. Please do read on what experts have to say...from what I know, clay is a no no.

[Two_Sheds]

Clay soil is good and nutritious, if a little soggy ... I think you are over-watering. Once a week should be ample. I never water my beet and they are on quick-draining sandy soil.

[yoanbob]

I'm on clay and never water either, things are going well.

[fruitylala]

Right. Thanks for that. I shall stop watering and see waht happens.

[fruitylala]

Yep. That's done the trick - they are looking much healthier. Thanks for the advice.