At canvas home we are keen cooks and nothing brings us more joy than when we have grown the ingredients too! While some crops need a long growing season to thrive, others, such as fast growing beetroot can be planted early so that they are ready to be enjoyed by late spring. The other great news is that beetroot is very happy growing in a pot so even those with the smallest garden can enjoy this fun, colourful and delicious harvest.
- Choose containers that are 20cm (8in) in diameter and at least 20cm (8in) deep.
- Fill loosely with multi-purpose compost leaving the compost just shy of the top.
- Tap the pot gently to settle, and firm with your finger tips aiming to leave a 4cm (1.5in) gap between the surface of the compost and the top of the pot.
- Sow seeds thinly across the surface and cover with 2cm (0.75in) of compost.
- Water and thin out seedlings when they're about 2cm (0.75in) tall, leaving 12cm (5in) gaps between them.
Harvesting
- The beetroot is ready when the roots are about golf ball size, this is normally about 90 days after planting. The beetroot can be gently lifted from the soil by hand or with a hand fork.
- Remember, the tops are delicious too and can be cooked and eaten just like spinach!
Growing method courtesy of BBC Gardening