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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: lifesahaze on May 22, 2014, 20:20:20

Title: Beetroot
Post by: lifesahaze on May 22, 2014, 20:20:20
I've been having so much fun with beetroot... not! 

My beetroot germinate - I've sowed them in my greenhouse, and also in the garden - and they come through fine, then just die on me.  Now, I was blaming the slugs but am now wondering whether I'm right, as the stems are left intact but leaves munched.  I was wondering whether birds (pigeons?) like a bit of beetroot leaf?

Now I have my lotty I've sowed some in there.  They've germinated, but now have brown spots on them and look a little sad.  Does anyone have any thoughts?  I'm a persistent blighter, so will keep trying but would really love some help on this one. 

I'm almost starting to take it personally, as it's definitely not the first year I've had no beetroot!!
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: Ian Pearson on May 22, 2014, 21:08:08
...yes, pigeon and pheasants are both prone to pecking back beetroot seedlings. I always sow a few extra at the end of the row to fill in gaps. Sticking a few twigs in to the ground next to the seedlings can help.
Title: Re: Beetroot
Post by: lifesahaze on May 24, 2014, 19:33:26
Thank you, I'll do that and see what happens...