Beet root seedlings

[Acanthus]

Never had much luck with direct sowing beet root, so thought I'd try sowing in greenhouse first, in pots. They are through now, and I am wondering how big to let them grow before I transplant them?

[ladylottie]

Never had much luck with direct sowing beet root, so thought I'd try sowing in greenhouse first, in pots. They are through now, and I am wondering how big to let them grow before I transplant them?

Last year I grew them in modules in my glass shed and planted them out in clumps when they were about 1" tall. They did very well, after an initial check, but I've gone back to direct sowing again this year. I just prefer it.

[singleseeder]

I use modules for the first sowing of beetroots, just to get an early start really. I make sure there is a reasonable amount of root before transplanting and soak the plants before lifting out and planting.

A second sowing goes straight into the ground once it has warmed slightly. Both methods do well.

Sowing into the ground is cheaper and quicker though, if you have enough ground to wait for germination. Using modules means you can fill gaps when they arise and you have gained a month's growing.

[MrsDaffy]

I've done the same this year and tried to germinate them in the greenhouse first - they're about an inch tall with a couple of leaves and I was toying with the idea of planting them out this week.

[singleseeder]

I've done the same this year and tried to germinate them in the greenhouse first - they're about an inch tall with a couple of leaves and I was toying with the idea of planting them out this week.

Don't forget to harden them off first. Cold nights will be a bit of a shock to their systems if they go straight out.

Also, make sure there is a decent rootball to hold the compost in the module together; they don't have to work so hard in their new home then.

[alex-adam]

I have posted on a beetroot thread a few weeks ago, but I think it worth repeating my experience. Last year I tried Bolthardy sown in modules - exactly as Monty Don (See link below) - Frankly I was dubious about this method, but the results were really good. - the beets did indeed jostle themselvs apart and I harvested lots of medium sized beet. - and of course we also ate the leaves too, just like spinach.

a-a

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00flzlx

[Bren In Pots]

I sow mine into newspaper pots then plant the whole thing into the ground.

[MrsDaffy]

Don't forget to harden them off first. Cold nights will be a bit of a shock to their systems if they go straight out.

To harden them off, would you bring them out during the day and back in GH for night? Or plant out and and cover with fleece at night?

[lottie dolly]

To harden them off, would you bring them out during the day and back in GH for night?

yes ,.................

[singleseeder]

I agree with Lottie Dolly, and if it is a really cold windy day I wouldn't bring them out on that day during the first week. It is surprising how 'soft' plants are when grown inside.

Some people actually brush their hands along the top of seedlings inside (to bend the stems slightly) to toughen them up. It must be a bit like us going to the gym to strenghten our muscles.

[MrsDaffy]

Thanks, Lottie Dolly. I always harden off when taking seedlings from inside the house to GH but I didn't realise I should do it from GH to outside - seems I've been very tough on the poor blighters!

[Florence Fennel]

Mine are just emerging in their modules in the unheated stayput. Trying again this year. The best success I had last year was when I mixed the seeds in with mixed caca salad!

[Kaiya]

Do people count the blowaways as 'inside'?

[Florence Fennel]

If you keep it zipped up and if it doesn't blow away it's an unheated greenhouse really Kaiya. I suppose I classify "inside" as on my windowsills indoors.

[MrsDaffy]

Some people actually brush their hands along the top of seedlings inside (to bend the stems slightly) to toughen them up. It must be a bit like us going to the gym to strenghten our muscles.

I do that with my tomato seedlings but didn't think to do that with other seedlings - I suppose it makes sense.