Beetroot

[adjohnson1971]

I'm in the middle of planning everything for the new season and whilst reading a seed catalogue I saw that you can buy beetroot plants, I've also seen them before for sale at the local nursery etc. I've always been under the impression that beetroot was a "no transplant veg" i.e. grown in situ. Are these plants any good? Could I start my own beetroot off from seed in my greenhouse and then take them to my allotment when ready? This would possibly be an advantage to myself as I wouldn't need to thin any seedlings on the allotment. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Incy]

Last year I did beetroot very successfully in modules at home which I then transplanted to the allotment, so yes it can be done.
Personally I wouldn't waste my money on bought beetroot plants as I really can't see the benefit.

[oldie]

I grew mine in modules last year, thinned and planted out with no problems.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Have done my beetroot as plug plants for a number of years. Gives them an early start and saves on seed. As others have said I certainly wouldn't buy them as plants unless they were a penny each that is.


Colin

[adjohnson1971]

Thanks for the info so far. I've no intention of buying plants, in my opinion never worth it. I'll start with seeds, but what is the best way to do this? Should I sow into a large tray to start with and then trasplant into modules or should I sow 2 or 3 seeds into a module and then thin out to 1 strong plant???

[jacob]

Again, I often start them in root trainers before planting out. No real problems, I think.

[Alison]

I don't really see any point in sowing beetroot in modules, it germinates easily, you have to thin out anyway as each seed is more than one plant and I have enough other things to be worrying about without more modules!

[Potstubsdustbins]

I sow a single seed into a small module approx size 1 1/2" square x 2" deep, thin the resulting seedlings to the strongest one and plant out when they start to get to big for the module.

Colin

[Alison]

......saves on seed.

But uses compost

[Two_Sheds]

should I sow 2 or 3 seeds into a module and then thin out to 1 strong plant???

Each "seed" is a cluster of seeds (I'm sure you know). One per module, plant out when bigger. No need to thin, as the growing beets will push each other apart.
After a few weeks, eat the biggest in each cluster and leave the others in situ to grow on. Same with carrots

[Snadger]

Yep.............two veg that at one time I would never have dreamed of starting in modules are beetroot and swedes.
I now start both in modules and usually sow some more direct as I plant them out to give a succession.

[veggiechicken]

I've started mine already in modules indoors. Did the same last year and planted them out when the weather was a bit warmer. Gave me a head start on sowing them outdoors. I can sow a second batch outdoors then for a later crop.

[Potstubsdustbins]

But uses compost

Compost is FREE Hurrah

Colin

[veggiechicken]

Snap, Snadger!!

[Potstubsdustbins]

Each "seed" is a cluster of seeds (I'm sure you know). One per module, plant out when bigger. No need to thin, as the growing beets will push each other apart.
After a few weeks, eat the biggest in each cluster and leave the others in situ to grow on. Same with carrots

Never tried that 2Sheds the pushing apart bit, but will now thanks for the tip.

Colin