Some Beetroot Basics: Part 2

This article explains how to cultivate and harvest beetroot that is ready for the market.

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Beetroot does best in deep, well-drained loamy to sandy soil. Heavy clay soil or soil that crusts after rain or irrigation may lead to establishment problems and result in misshapen roots.

Beetroot prefers soil with a pH of 5,8 to 7, but can tolerate a pH of up to 7,6.

Acidic soil may lead to nutrient deficiency problems, so avoid planting in this type of soil.

If you must plant in acidic soil, use lime to increase the PH.

While mature beets are fairly tolerant to salinity, seedlings are relatively sensitive.

PREPARING FOR PLANTING

The beetroot is propagated by seed. Prepare the seedbed by ploughing 15cm to 20cm deep to break up clods.

The soil should be as level as possible, with enough moisture and a good crumb structure free of undecomposed plant material.