Topic: beetroot leaves

[jokey]

hi all

is it normal for my beetroot leaves to go crisp and start to die, i can't remember this happening last year.  The beetroots themselves are fine

cheers for help

jo

[valmarg]

We have two containers of beetroot,  The leaves look 'done to a crisp'.  Will have to look at the roots, but they do look a sorry sight.

Very disappointing.

valmarg

[Stevens706]

No it's not normal, last year I constantly picked the leaves to feed my daughters guinea pigs, it's probably the lack of rain thats doing it. I would give them a good soaking in the evening.

[jokey]

thanks all,

don;t think its lack of water, i water regularly

jo

[Stevens706]

Just had a look at D G Hessayon book and it suggests that it could be mangold fly (leaf miner) or if the leaves are curling up and going yellow / brown manganese deficiency try searching on these and see if one matches.

Sorry I can't be more help

[jokey]

thanks for your help

decided to pull up as they are big enough to pickle. and discard the leaves.

i have more coming up so i will see what happens :-\

cheers

jo

[PurpleHeather]

I have sptted loads of people on our allotments site regularly watering.

Each day they spray everything until the surface soil looks damp.

A total waste of time and water.

Either irrigate properly or forget it.

Give a good soaking not a one hour spray on everything.

[valmarg]

As I said in my earlier posting, we grow beetroot in containers.  In this case old square washing up bowls, with holes drilled in the bottom.  We have used this method for years, for carrots, radishes, spring onions, et al.

The planters in question have been well watered, during the recent brief dry spell.

We have been growing two different varieties, and they have both succumbed to the crisping of the leaves.  They are not showing any signs of bulbing up.

Bit of a disaster, rather than a disappointment. ??? ???

valmarg

[PurpleHeather]

Stick the bowls in the shade then

[amphibian]

My beetroot are like this this year too. I'm not stressing about it, the plants are still growing and I'm sure they'll still form beets.

[valmarg]

Stick the bowls in the shade then

They are in the shade.

valmarg

[jokey]

Thanks valmarg

mine are also in shade and watered well, maybe just having a funny year.  Anyway not too disappointed either, still have had beetroots and pickled them and have more coming up

jo

[valmarg]

Very strange jokey.  Never known anything like it before.

Could all be down to Icelandic volcanic dust.. ;D ;D  Or something.

valmarg