Sad beets

[Gordonmull]

I don't think I'm going to like the answer to this but here goes. I sowed and optimistic module tray of Boltardy back in February on the windowsill and another in March. It's the first time I've tried it like this instead of direct. They got a bit drawn on the windowsill so I moved them out to a cold GH.

Decided to put them in the ground last week as the windowsills were backed up with seedlings waiting to go out to the GH and the GH was stuffed full of trays. The ever-present easterly wind promptly sent them over on their sides.

So what would you do? Hoe the lot off and sow direct or leave them be? I've no idea whether they will pick up after that punishment or not.

[Gordonmull]

[goodlife]

Hmm...I would be tempted to start again..either in modules in cold GH where they get better light than indoors or straight outdoors, that's if your soil is warm enough.
How about making some modules now...and once those are ready for planting you could sow some straight into grown too..that way you will get some slightly earlier and straight sown will be ready few weeks later..

[Gordonmull]

Thanks, Goodlife. I thought that might be the answer. I was really just looking for the death certificate. Ah well, all I lost was a bit of time and effort. No biggie. Got to learn somehow.

Strangely, I do think the soil might be warm enough. I reckon it would pass the bum test anyway, although I just use my wrist instead! I do like your idea of sowing in modules now and then direct later, though. Bit more insurance there and a wee jog on from the warmer GH. Right, early beetroot sowing no.3 is coming up, I will eat nice beetroot this year!

I have some golden earmarked for sowing this month but will be sowing lots of boltardy after last year's albino beetroot catastrophe. Given the weather, I might even leave the golden till May.

[Big Boy]

May is the time to sow outside , earlier if you warm the soil first with a cloche. Beetroot does not transplant well so you should be transplanting asap after germination.

[chriscross1966]

Note to self, get some beetroot started....  I'd module sow some in the frame or cold GH... if you want to try a new one I'd recommend "Moneta", basically a monogerm Boltardy... I'll be doing that and Solo...