[chrissie B]

Hi all thinking of some beetroot this year as im not doing onions i tryed once and they were awful so any handy hints would be greatfully recieved , a freand gave us one ov hers which i pickled for hubby i dont like it unless its roasted i would like to give him some of his own .
chrissie b

[m1ckz]

well    i sow mine in a tray in the greenhouse   about to do that in the next few days   then transplant to tht allotment when about 2 inches tall    works well for me
oh an i dont grow the round ones..i grow long ones 

[chrissie B]

What are the best varietys i dont want huge ones or fancy just some i can pickle and roast .
chrissie b

[snow white]

I grow Boltardy.  Good standard variety

[wrinkly1]

hello chrissie. if by any chance you want them for show. they must be sown direct in garden. its to do with tap root. there are all sorts to grow. orange . some with rings of colour through them. all shapes and sizes. check around and have fun.  cheers wrinkly1

[Fairy Plotmother]

I grow Boltardy.  Good standard variety

Agreed! Never fails. Sow direct into the ground.

[m1ckz]

yes boltardy for me too

[chrissie B]

Thanks i will look out for those.
i dont want to show just eat but do the beets with the rings and different colours taste the same , ive seen on the telly not seen in the shops to buy , they do look pretty  in salads .
chrissie b

[juvenal]

Another Boltardy fan checking in.....

[FINN THE FORK]

I grow boltardy never had a problem, the yellow and white don"t stain clothes or saucepans 

[Salmo]

If you sow too early the soil is cold and they do not grow. Also mice will dig out the seeds, especially in dry conditions.

I sow directly in the ground. Wait until April when the soil is warmer. Make a drill about 1 inch deep. If the soil is dry water the bottom of the drill. Place a seed every inch. Draw the soil over the seed with the fingers. Tamp down tight with the back of a rake. (not too tight if clay soil), do not water again until they emerge. You will soon learn to spot the distinctive red cotyledons.

Once they have emerged go along the row and pull out some to leave a good plant every 2 inches. If they are not in multiple bunches this is not really necessary as they push each other apart or some shade out others.

If there are any gaps push in a few more seeds and water.

Sometimes small birds will nip off the leaves so cover until they have their first leaves.

If you want a supply of small beet sow some more in June/July.

[mrsbean]

Yes Boltardy .. pulled the last of our beetroot last month still perfect but small. Can sow up till Aug/sept.

[Snoop]

Well, I've never grown Boltardy before. After these write-ups, I might just have to give them a go. Thanks for starting this thread, chrissie B.

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

Also make sure you feed the area well. I normally manure it and then give some Chicken manure pellets a couple of times through the seasons. I know these encourage leaf growth but I still get big roots and you can eat the leaves if you want.

Another Boltardy fan here too (although I sow in modules then plant out).

[Mr Dog]

I no longer grow red beetroot, but golden (Detroit, Burpees and Globe) and white (Albino). They taste just as good and have the added advantage of no red staining.