(Oldish) Beetroot seedlings

[Sanjo]

I sowed some beetroot in the greenhouse late last autumn as a bit of an experiment. (The heater is on frost setting to look after my geraniums).
They eventually showed through the compost but for ages they just had the initial leaves. I noticed today that they are now showing the "true" leaves.

Would I be wasting my time keeping them or will they be woody if I transfer them to the garden when they are bigger.

On the same subject, I also have some outside in a bed sown in early autumn, which was then covered with fleece. These (together with some little gem lettuce) look healthy and appear to be growing.
Can beetroot and lettuce be overwintered like this for an early start in spring?

It just seems that I have been looking at them for a long time!!!
I don't want to waste the space in the bed if they are not going to come good. Has anyone else done anything like this please??
Thanks. Sanjo

[BarleySugar]

I don't know, I've some outside in the same situation. I was thinking they would probably run to seed, but that's just a guess. Maybe I won't dig them up, but leave them to find out.

[ChrisE]

I'd love to know the answer to that too, I had a bed of beetroot & perpetual spinach left over from last year which are still looking healthy. So I'd like to know if they would grow ok.

Also, as I had to clear my beds ready for the new season and these spinach & beets were in the way, so I've replanted them on a new spot- I have a feeling transplanting them will send them to seed, but they were either going in the bin or get transplanted.
Has anyone done this sucessfully?

Chris.

[zazen999]

I've got a few from last year that I'm going to save to go to seed on purpose. They're looking nice and plump at the moment.

[Sanjo]

Not just me then - that's a relief!! I think perhaps I'll put the greenhouse ones all in the same area so that I can check them against the fresh sown ones. At least that way I'll know for next time. I think I'll aso start eating the lettuces. They are strong and green looking and although not hearted, they would make a sandwich filling. Thanks all of you for replying.

[lynda66]

i've got some too, but mine were sown in july, they are about 1cm across the bulbs, don't mind if they seed though, saves me buying any

[kentvegplot]

I've overwintered some too, but I'm going to use the leaves, not the roots. When they're tiny (teaspoon size) they make a lovely addition to sald. Bigger, you can treat them like spinach. Beetroot was originally grown for its leaves, not the roots.

[Sanjo]

Thanks Kentveg, that might solve it for me. I don't like waste so if I don't like the beetroot itself I'll tackle the leaves. I did steam some last year and they were edible. I never thought of the leaves !! Sanjo