[samnorfolk]

i have some beetroot seedlings hardening off, can they go into the raised beds yet and how far apart should i space them??

[Springlands]

Provided you have then thoroughly hardened off you could probably plant them out now - about two inches apart. Having said that check what your weather is going to be over the next week - at present we are having bad bouts of hail stones - anything I was to plant at present would  be cut to pieces. 

[samnorfolk]

well its meant to get a bit chilly here during the night about 1c i think over the weekend so maybe i will wait til next week and give it a go then

[Beetroot queen]

I have always done beetroot direct, why does everyone start it off in pots. 

[Springlands]

Beetroot Queen - I plant direct but also start off some plants in modules. By sowing in modules you can get an earlier crop.

[Salmo]

I have always done beetroot direct, why does everyone start it off in pots. 

I have never understood this either. They so grow easily direct sown.

[Beetroot queen]

Beetroot Queen - I plant direct but also start off some plants in modules. By sowing in modules you can get an earlier crop.

That bit makes sense, but for some reason I thought beetroot didn't transplant well.

I do some very early beets in the poly tunnel, I love beetroot hence the name, it's the only thing I lived on as a kid. Beetroot sandwiches made by my nan, she's probably looking down laughing right now. Anyone for a buttie. 

[mumofstig]

Beetroot sandwiches

Had sooooo many of those as a kid - I really can't stomach them now

[tellybill]

I grow most of my beetroot seeds in module trays, 80 sections , in the green house . As some  beetroot seeds contain up to 4 seeds in some pods it is easier to split them up before  planting out.  When grown sturdy enough, about  2" tall, I make a small 2" deep furrow in the fine soil with  a hoe, water  well before planting out the individual plants about 4" apart. This ensures you know how many beets you expect to grow. Any left over seeds are then grown in the usual way  nearby , but will of course have to be thinned out. Rather  boring pastime.

[Beetroot queen]

I really squeeze mine in and just pick the thinnings out once they reach baby beet size, they probably don't like being done like that but it doesn't stop them growing, we then have them roasted with a Sunday lunch yum yum yum

Beetroot sandwiches are just the best even now as a grown up. Beetroot chutney also a favourite and I ran out at Christmas. Hurry up crop.n

[boldondig]

I do sow beetroot direct - but I have a clay soil that I am trying hard to improve with Manure / compost etc. I have only had my allotment two years and the first year I sowed direct I got such a hard clay cap that the Beetroot seedlings struggled -  I do some in modules and some in a small compost groove .. To be honest the module ones I plant out very small at first true leaf stage and I get really good results - I know it is fiddly but it a saves any thinning later. It works for me....

[gavinjconway]

I normally do mine like DD does his peas - just a few more per foot.. Did shallow trench about 6" wide then scatter seed, cover and water.. go back in 2 months and pull some out for baking and leave the rest for bottling when I remember to dig them all out!!

[samnorfolk]

Well the weather said it was meant to go down to 1c with chance of  a frost so i guess im bringing them back in tonight and transplant them tomorrow or monday!!