Beetroot
Beta vulgaris · Easy
A dependable root crop whose young leaves are edible too, well suited to repeated small sowings.
Sow
Direct sow outdoors from March to July; use protection for the earliest starts.
Plant
Usually direct sown rather than transplanted.
Harvest
June to October, often 8–12 weeks after sowing.
Practical growing notes
Give beetroot the right space.
- Plant spacing
- About 10 cm for mature roots; closer for baby beetroot.
- Light
- Full sun or light partial shade.
- Containers
- Yes, in a container at least 20–25 cm deep.
Why grow it?
Compact, colourful and easy to sow in batches.
Watch for
Thin multi-germ seedlings and keep soil moist to limit woody roots.
Keep the bed moving
What can follow beetroot?
A succession-friendly salad crop, especially useful as loose-leaf or cut-and-come-again types.
brassica familyRocketA compact peppery leaf crop that can be harvested repeatedly and grows well in containers.
brassica familyRadishesOne of the fastest food crops, ideal for gaps and repeated small sowings.
onion familyGarlicA low-maintenance overwintering crop planted as named, disease-free cloves.