HARD TO BEET

Tony Flanagan offers a whistle-stop guide to growing this much-loved root and picks out some varieties you might like to try

- Tony Flanagan

Beetroot is one of the staples of the summer kitchen, its earthy flavour popular with many. These days it comes in a number of striking colours and different shapes, so offers a visual feast too!

SEEDS AND SOWING 

Seeds usually come as a cluster of about three seeds (multigerm), though you can also get monogerm ones that are just one seed. The former will need thinning out once seedlings have established themselves. You can sow direct into soil outside from March onwards (better under a cloche initially) 2.5cm (1in) deep, 10cm (4in) apart with rows 30cm (12in) apart. Alternatively, start them off under cover (cold frame, cloche, greenhouse or polytunnel) in modular cell trays filled with multipurpose compost.

This way you can control the conditions a little better. The young plants can then be planted out in April/May.

Beetroot likes a fertile, moist soil so dig in plenty of well-rotted organic matter early in the autumn, prior to planting or even late winter, for the best results.

GROWING UP