Allotments 4 All

My beetroot sown outside is now about 2" high, but they seem to be lacking is strength to actually hold themselves up!

They have developed long spindly stems which makes them lie on their side grow along the ground for an inch or so then sprout upwards.

They are growing well but are lacking in the stamina department. Is it down to overwatering or is it because I sowed then in shallow drills and covered them with multipurpose seed compost which provides little/no resistance to them swaying in the wind when the PC dries out? ??? ???

Shallow drills? Too shallow!

Iwish I could help. As a gardener of some 30 odd seasons perchance these technical words of wisdom would help.

Drag out a line about as deep as you do with a rake or hoe or whatever,scatter the seeds at a  precise random distance-water in and scuff the soil back with your foot.

Ok a bit tounge in cheek-but it works ;)

The seed wants to be about two/three as deep as its diameter.

In this case seed are around 1/4" diameter = 1/2"-3/4" deep

Maybe shallow was not the correct word as the were nigh on 3/4" down, as yee packet states.

Alas, mistakes will happen and I'll know for next time to not backfill with MPC, but soil tamped down with the back of rake. :-\

I stand corrected! I had visualised less deep.

And one teaching is 1" deep.

Watering in? GENTLY - or the seeds will wash away, especially if the ground slopes!!

I prefer to do it before sowing or after filling in.

they will still be ok though, ive had it before, and as the stem thickens, they sort themselves out.

I always water the drill first then sow cover and tap down with rake !! Works ok !!for me  :D

But don't tap down too firmly or you get a 'cake'. Probably more important with fine seed to establish soil contact?

Less important if you have a really good 'tilth'.

I agree with David. Don't worry, look at:-

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_beetroot.html

The sorry looking seedlings that I transplanted in the photo at top right were on their side for a fortnight and grew into magnificent beet!

When sowing seeds, I always drill first, add thin base layer of compost, water the drill, pop seeds in, rake soil over, sprinkle with water lightly - then wait, and wait, and wait, and wait, then voila :o