Any Advice on Beetroots?

[Phill]

I'm growing some beetroot on my allotment, 'baby solist' I think they're called.

I started them early march in modules in my greenhouse and planted them out soon after in good well manured soil but in a partially shaded bed.

They don't seem to be growing on at all as they're all rather stunted.

Could it be that I put them out too early in the season, and would I be better off starting a load more.

I thought they were pretty quick growing so i must be doing something wrong.

Any help and advice gratefully accepted.

[Capsid]

I started mine in modules in mid-April, but I haven't put them out yet. I like to wait until they have 6 or more true leaves on them.

[jaykay]

I think beetroot and other root crops are best grown in soil that is not freshly manured and that they don't like being moved. Sow seed a couple of centimetres apart in rows and thin seedlings out until 7.5cm apart (baby beet) or 15cm apart (full sized).

[squashysu]

I have tried three methods,

two grown in modules, one lot planted out and one lot now in a planter in the greenhouse (these are the best ones so far) and then some sown direct in my plot and they are growing slowly but ok.

I wish you luck, mine in the ground have shooted up since the good weather, so perhaps they need some sunshine.

SS

[rustylady]

Grew mine in modules last year and planted out onto the lottie when they had six or eight good leaves. Yours may have been a tad on the small side when they went in, and they may not be warm enough if they're in shade. Leave them where they are and see what happens, but start another lot just in case.

[Phill]

thanks for the tips!

[gojiberry]

Mine took a check in growth when I put them out but they have now started growing again and seem to be doing alright. Just give them a bit of time.

Ian