Caring for Beetroot

Beetroot has moderate water needs and performs best with consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Water regularly during dry spells, aiming for about 2–3 cm per week. Irregular watering—long dry periods followed by heavy soaking—can cause roots to split or develop tough, fibrous rings. Mulching around plants with a 5 cm layer of compost or well-rotted manure in late spring helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool during hot weather. Feeding should be light and balanced. Beetroot is not a heavy feeder, and too much nitrogen encourages lush leaf growth at the expense of root development. If your soil is reasonably fertile, a single application of a general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone) in March or April before sowing is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds. On poorer soils, a light side-dressing of the same fertiliser in early summer can be beneficial, but this is rarely necessary on well-prepared ground. Beetroot is generally trouble-free, but watch for aphids on young leaves in early summer; a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap usually controls them. Leaf miners occasionally create pale, winding tunnels in the foliage—pick off and destroy affected leaves. Bolting, as mentioned, is the main cultural problem and is best prevented by timely sowing and consistent watering. Beetroot is fully hardy and can tolerate light frosts, which actually improve flavour. You can leave late-summer sowings in the ground under a thick straw mulch and lift roots as needed through autumn and into early winter, provided your soil drains well and doesn't become waterlogged.