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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: aquilegia on June 16, 2005, 14:59:53

Title: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: aquilegia on June 16, 2005, 14:59:53
Is it worth re-planting beetroot thinnings or should I just nip off the leaves and eat them in a salad?

Also - are shallot leaves edible? they look and smell rather like the tops of spring onions?
Title: Re: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: kenkew on June 16, 2005, 15:29:35
If your beet thinnings are big enough to eat, eat 'em and sow new seed to extend your season. You obviously have plenty and it's still sowing time for them.
Shallot leaves; Well, shallots are ready to harvest when the leaf starts to die back, so if you're going to cut leaves for mixing with a salad then you may as well lift the plant. Lifting now will give smaller shallots and it really isn't worth it just to get a few leaves. If you're loking for a mild onion flavour and a bit of greenery to add to salad try growing chives. Dead easy and a perennial to boot.
Title: Re: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: busy_lizzie on June 16, 2005, 15:30:19
Hi aqui,  For beetroot thinnings I would say either.  It depends if you want more beetroot or if you have lots already.  I have very successfully transplanted beetroot thinnings and they seem quite happy about it.  Gives you another beetroot bed, so if you want more - go for it!

Sorry can't answer the shallot question as I have never grown them before.  :) busy_lizzie
Title: Re: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: Merry Tiller on June 16, 2005, 19:58:06
Shallot, onion leek and garlic leaves are all edible though sometimes a bit tough
Title: Re: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 16, 2005, 20:57:55
Beetroot tops are really nice.
Title: Re: beetroot thinnings and shallot leaves
Post by: ina on June 16, 2005, 21:17:19
Yes, like Busy Lizzy said, beetroot seedlings transplant well. No matter how I try, I always sow too thickly, now I sow half a bed and transplant thinnings to make a full bed.