I have always had problems with growing beetroot This year I have been thinking of sowing in modules/Toilet rolls . have anyone had any success in doing this with them
I always do a Feb sowing of Boltardy in modules, which works really well for me (in greenhouse). Pinch out to leave 3 seedlings per module and plant about now.
Usually when they are clump planted like this each individual beet grows at different rates. If you harvest the biggest very carefully (cut off tap root don't pull) and refirm the remaining roots you can get a long season of beetroot in a small area from one sowing. Of course, if you have a big allotment this isn't of so much importance as for me in the garden.
I do a maincrop for storing over the winter direct in the soil later in the season, about June. These tend not to do so well sown in modules, in my experience, better in the ground.
I always sow beetroot in modules in Feb/Mar in a frame in the cold GH. Four seeds per module and a tray of 24 modules fits a standard seed tray. They are now ready for planting in the garden. I don't bother to thin them out.
I grew beetroot for the first time last year, I started them in the greenhouse in toilet rolls, it was very successful and I'm doing the same again, remember to keep the tubes really wet though.
Quote from: Toadspawn on April 12, 2011, 22:32:04
I always sow beetroot in modules in Feb/Mar in a frame in the cold GH. Four seeds per module and a tray of 24 modules fits a standard seed tray. They are now ready for planting in the garden. I don't bother to thin them out.
I've found from experience that for me 3 seedlings works better for growing on. But perhaps I plant them closer in the ground? As I said, I am working to get the most out of a relatively small space. I put the clumps about 6-8" apart for baby beets.
I just start them off at home, and when quite small I transplant on to the plot. No modules or toilet rolls, just naked. I've done this for 5 years now and never had a failure. I have covered them with fleece if cold weather has been expected, but only once.
Yes, much success as if the modules are small enough - the root ball gets transplanted intact. My first sowings are already planted in final position and the next batch will be sown at the weekend.
We have tried planting in modules, but not this year. Last year we planted out the module sown ones and sowed some in between them. They were all under the same cloche. In a few weeks you couldn't tell the difference.
An old gent on our site said thins his beetroot & transplants them. The transplanted ones come on quicker than the others.
Same on our site. When I first heard that he did this. I was doubtful until I saw the results.
I've never had a problem sowing direct, I damp the soil in March, press a bar/handle or the likes into the ground, spread the seeds in the drill and cover with compost and water, if there is any thinning I usually compost them, but never many , I just take out a few smaller bulbs to eat and let the others grow on.
Mind you I don't like beetroot that's probably why it does OK. :-\
I do a bit of both! Some direct sowing at this time, but I already have some in a seed bed that will be transplanted in the next week or so. I thought that as a root veg they would transplant badly but that's not the case, and last year I finally got a few small beets (i really have no luck with them at all usually) from transplants. I sow Cheltenham Greentop at this time of year and Monoruba later in the season for autumn beets (which do better in general).
Another thing I thought of with beetroot...
It apparently has a natural germination inhibitor in the seed clusters, which needs rain to wash it off. Therefore if it is too dry after sowing this can cause problems. Either soaking the seed or watering well should help.
I've always had good results with module sowing and putting out.... Previously I've used boltardy, one seed per 24-drop, thin out to best seedling in each module, out about a month after sowing, this year I'm trying Moneta, Renova and Monorubra as they're all monogerms.... seem to have plenty coming on, will prolly go out this weekend.
I always had problems with early sowing, modules etc. When I tried modules they always became stunted and refused to grow when transplanted. Last year was my first ultra successful year. I waited till the end of May then planted directly into the ground in a bed with a bit of morning/evening shade. Tons of beetroot.