[Broadhaven]

I planted my beetroot seeds  on 5.March and had them inside the house as my greenhouse is unheated. Most have started germinating and some are about 5cm tall. When shall I put them in my greenhouse (if at all) as I don't want them to get leggy in the warmth of the house.

[Aidy]

I have just set a tray off in the greenhouse, don't worry they are pretty hardy so I would get them in the green house.

[Broadhaven]

Thanks Aidy, Should I put the pots that have not germinated as yet in the greenhouse also?

Dont know if its a coincidence but just looking at the ones that have germinated and they are all in toilet rolls, the ones that are not showing any signs are in plastic pots.

[Allotment Jon]

I have never grown beetroot but got some seeds at the weekend that say plant outside where they are to grow.

Should I be putting them in pots / toilet rolls first ?.

I could ask the same question about other seeds that I am growing for the first time as until I get more experienced I just follow what is on the packet until I learn otherwise.

[chili]

I have never grown beetroot but got some seeds at the weekend that say plant outside where they are to grow.

Should I be putting them in pots / toilet rolls first ?.

I could ask the same question about other seeds that I am growing for the first time as until I get more experienced I just follow what is on the packet until I learn otherwise.

i planted some last year my 1st attempt straight into the ground and they all grew
pickled the lot

[Aidy]

In theory treat as other roots, straight into the ground. I have had over the years great success setting them off early and transplanting. My method is to pop the seed into trays, slightly push in with a pointy object and cover with the propogator lid, leave in the greenhouse until ready to into the ground. I will photo them tonight when I put the ladies to bed.

[tosca100]

I grow beetroot every year and have always put them straight in the ground. Once they are growing away strongly I put some more in. Never done them into pots, but have seen them for sale in the garden centre, didn't quite see the point, but maybe someone can tell us if there is any benefit to planting in pots, I would have thought they would catch up if planted in the ground???
On a slightly different note, I've tried different shapes and colours, but this year will stick to good old Bolthardy as the others are not worth the space.

[maxie]

I always grow a row of beetroot under a cloche to get an early crop,it makes a big difference but i remove the cloche when it gets hot.
You are right tosca100 boltardy are a great beetroot,the only other one i grow is cylindra.

[Trillium]

I've tried it both ways and admit that my best crops came from direct seeding. The roots will transplant but they don't seem to like it as much as staying put. I can even grow golden beets that way, which Aidy can't  : lol:

[Aidy]

I've tried it both ways and admit that my best crops came from direct seeding. The roots will transplant but they don't seem to like it as much as staying put. I can even grow golden beets that way, which Aidy can't  : lol:

to you too. The only reason I set off in trays is to get a head start, most of my beets are direct sown once it warms up as the ground is still pretty cold at the mo. An indication I use is once weeds start to show then the ground is warm enough for direct sowing.

[Trillium]

  Knew that would get a rise out of you, Aidy. I've just bought a fresh pack of goldens for this year. Still have loads of bulls blood left.

[Kristen]

I grow in pots to start them off early, and so that I can juggle them in-between other things when they are ready to plant out.

I grow 3 to a 9cm pot - then pull two for thinnings, leaving the 3rd to grow to normal size.

[Aidy]

Knew that would get a rise out of you, Aidy. I've just bought a fresh pack of goldens for this year. Still have loads of bulls blood left.

mmmmm.
I did get a few to germinate but they didn't taste any better than the normal.
We are still munching through ours too, I tend to grow Alto cylindrical for salads and soups and Chioggia to roast, still got a bag in compost for eating from last year, storing really well.

[tosca100]

I grew the cylindrical ones last year but though they did very well, once they grew to a reasonable size the flavour was disappointing, the same with the ones with red and white rings. The golden ones were ok tasting but went an unappealing colour when cooked.....a sort of khaki brown. I'll be clearing my mini-plot and dusting off the cloches this w/e for carrots and beets.

[MoreWhisky]

I think  Woodan beats Bolthardy lol

I also only sow direct )