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Beetroot will grow in most soil conditions, but ideally they need a pH level of 6.5 - 7.5.
Water Beetroot well in dry weather and keep them weed free.
Week 13; To get an early crop, sow three seeds in pots or cell trays to grow on undercover.
Plant out mid to end of April under cloches when the weather and ground temperature is warmer.
Week 19; Prepare beds for sowing by raking in a general fertiliser at a rate of 50gms (2oz) per sq.m
Week 20; Sow seed thinly in rows 300mm (12") apart and 25mm (1") deep.
n.b. Beetroot seed are in fact clusters of seeds hence the reason for sowing them thinly.
To assist thinning out later try and keep the seed about 50mm (2") apart
Germination should take 7-10 days.
Week 26-27; Thin out rows of as required.
After thinning, water along rows to settle soil around remaining seedlings.
Apply Nitrate of soda, or Sulphate of ammonia at a rate of 1oz (30gm) per sq m.
Week 43; If your ground is heavy or liable to deep frost penetration in winter, lift and store beetroots sown before July.
Twist off the tops of beetroots, about 25mm (1”) above the crowns.
Cover bottom of containers with moist sand, add alternate layers of roots and sand until filled.
Store under cover and inspect periodically for signs of rot.
On light well drained soil, beetroot can remain in the ground until November.
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