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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: RSJK on June 04, 2006, 19:45:19

Title: Beetroot
Post by: RSJK on June 04, 2006, 19:45:19
As anyone else had problems with beetroot this year, first 2 sowings have been very eratic at germinating only about half have come up.  Third sowing looks a lot better.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: daisymay on June 04, 2006, 20:12:56
Yes - totally...... we thought maybe some thing was eating it as it is the first time we have planted it on the lottie?! if others have the same problem, could be poor conditions this year.

We have doen 3 sowings and only have about 1/2 dozen that have made it. Have started some of in the greenhouse now and will transplant it, see if it helps matters.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: plimsoll plot on June 04, 2006, 20:27:25
mine was a slow start but now loking good i was worried that i would have no beetroot this year , but alls looking good
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mothy on June 04, 2006, 20:43:12
Same here Richard in Leicester. 1st 2 sowings were so erratic, almost non-existent in places, yet last row I put in 2 weeks ago are all up and doing well. Too cold? maybe?
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: lorna on June 04, 2006, 21:07:32
Ooh. I love beetroot. Am I too late to sow now?
Cheers Lorna
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: supersprout on June 04, 2006, 21:12:53
Hi lorna, with beetroot specially 'little and often' is the name of the game. You can sow a row every couple of weeks from now to the end of Sept for nice fresh beet. Later sowings will give you beetroot til very late in the year :)
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: saddad on June 04, 2006, 21:17:57
and I thought it was just me!
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: lorna on June 04, 2006, 22:24:59
Supersprout. Cheers for quick reply. I know what I will be doing tomorrow :) Having cooked tons during our greengrocery days I won't have any problems just as long as I can get them to grow ;D
Lorna
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 04, 2006, 23:15:49
I will be sowing loads more next week Lorna, and as Sprouty said, I will keep going right through the summer.  Just love beets roasted!!

I have had some patchy rows, but found the latest couple of sowings have come through good and strong.  I figured the earlier sowings just got to chilly and damp.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: growmore on June 05, 2006, 00:30:30
weeded some seedlings out today found excatly same ..Very patchy row
Think it may be down to weather .
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 05, 2006, 01:41:48
Same here. I need to put another row in.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: MrsKP on June 05, 2006, 06:37:44
another germination success up here (but they were sown indoors) .......... have run out of space to plant the second sowing out so am thinking of bunging them in where my first row of radishes is about to vacate.

am thinking of nabbing another of the neighbour's flower beds very shortly.  at least if someone buys the place, the garden will be up to speed.
;D
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Rosyred on June 05, 2006, 06:53:04
Would you re sow where you have had them growing before this year?
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 05, 2006, 08:45:18
I do.  What I tend to do is as I pull one, I sprinkle a couple of seeds in it's place.  Probably not the right thing to do , but works for me.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: RSJK on June 05, 2006, 19:40:39
As anyone ever try-ed eating the young beetroot leaves from thinnings out...very tender and nice
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: saddad on June 05, 2006, 19:50:59
Certainly are, turn up in all the most expensive salad mixes at supermarkets!
;D
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: amphibian on June 05, 2006, 20:13:17
Quote from: Richard Kinson on June 05, 2006, 19:40:39
As anyone ever try-ed eating the young beetroot leaves from thinnings out...very tender and nice

Great steamed with eggs too.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: MrsKP on June 05, 2006, 20:26:16
Quote from: EJ - Emma Jane on June 05, 2006, 08:45:18
I do.  What I tend to do is as I pull one, I sprinkle a couple of seeds in it's place.  Probably not the right thing to do , but works for me.

now I like that idea for the fourth sowings.

;D
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: lorna on June 05, 2006, 20:46:18
EJ Didn't manage sowing today but I am determind to do so tomorrow. I can't imagine why I didn't think of beet when I was sowing lettuce, spring onions etc. Have got a small area left but your idea of sowing in "empty" spaces seems great. Thanks.
Lorna.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 05, 2006, 22:30:23
Beet leaves cooked like spinach are lovely.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 05, 2006, 22:32:11
I agree on the beetroot leaves, very yummy indeed!
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: MrsKP on June 05, 2006, 22:35:10
digressing somewhat, can i do the same with radish leaves ?

::)
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 05, 2006, 22:37:40
I have heard you can with radish and turnips, but the flea beetles enjoy them more so I don't tend to.  They are very rough in my opinion and look unappetising.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: MrsKP on June 05, 2006, 22:54:06
never had any flea beetle damage on mine and looked too good just to throw on the heap but didn't know if they were going to kill me or not  ::) so might give the next lot a try, just to see.

thanks.

;D
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Mr Plot on June 05, 2006, 22:55:05
Yep same here as well, although the ones that have germinated are very healthy!
Weird isn't it.