Beetroot

Botanical name: Beta vulgaris
Sow beetroot spring to autumn, in mild areas all year round is possible. Sow directly where it is to grow, 12 mm deep in rows 30 cm apart. Keep the soil moist. Thin out to 10 cm apart, each seed yields multiple plants, so thinnings can be transplanted or used as ‘baby’ salad greens. Beetroot is a heavy feeder, prepare the soil by adding compost or organic fertiliser, pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline. Start harvesting when still ‘baby beet’ size, older roots can get woody. The leafy tops are useful as cooked greens.