Beetroot (Beta vulgaris), popularly known as beet, can be a great addition to your garden. It is easy to grow, requires only a small space and can be planted almost all year round. You can grow it in a pot, or you can also plant it indoors.
Planting beets is a great option because it is not only a great source of vitamins and minerals, but also They adapt well to home cultivation and require little maintenance. The leaves are also edible; you can prepare them in salads, soups, or use them to make recipes such as omelets, fritters, or pie fillings.
They can often be found veined in red, which gives them an ornamental appeal. We can find them in a wide variety to choose from with different shapes, sizes and colors.
Most beet varieties are rounded, oval, but there are some longer or tapered ones that can vary in color, from deep red, orange yellow, even pink. They have antioxidant properties that are very beneficial for the body.
The darker ones have the most intense flavor, while the lighter ones are milder and sweeter. Below are some tips to help you successfully plant beets.
Guide to planting beets at home and their care
You can plant beets from seeds or transplants. The important thing is to choose the right variety for your climate, provide specific care, and find the best time to plant them.
Choosing and preparing the location
Beets are usually started from seeds, which are small and easy to handle. Sow the seeds in rows about 12-18 cm apart and plant them about cm deep.
When the small plants reach a few centimeters in height you have to use scissors to thin the beets. leaving a space of 10 cm between each plant, But take your time and do it slowly. Don't do it by hand, as this could damage the roots. You don't need to add trellises or other support.
Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water well. Keep the soil evenly moist, as beets thrive when the soil is consistently moist. Below, we'll show you how to care for them properly.
Luz
Choose an area that receives plenty of sun. It must receive 6 hours of direct sunlight. They can tolerate some shade, but they don't grow in the same way.
Land
They prefer sandy, well-drained soils. If your soil is too heavy, consider adding sand and compost to improve drainage.
You should also remove all weeds and debris from the planting site before sowing the seeds. Beets are often affected by Black heart, is a pest that causes deformity in the leaves and corky black spots on the roots. To avoid this you need to apply boron or seaweed extract to the soil.
Irrigation
Water beets regularly to keep the soil moist. They grow best when the soil is moist, but don't overwater them until they become waterlogged.
You may need to water more frequently during droughts.And if temperatures are very hot, you can cool the soil by adding mulch. It's ideal for keeping it cool and retaining moisture.
In addition to watering, it is important to keep beets free of weeds.
Fertilizer
If you notice that they are not growing very strong, they will need a push. To do this, add organic liquid fertilizer if possible, with high nitrogen content.
Plagues and diseases
If you notice any damage caused by pests or diseases, it is usually possible to control the problem with an organic insecticide or fungicide. Additionally, you can Protect the beets from low temperatures by covering them with a light, breathable fabric.
Although they require little maintenance, some pests can affect the crop, for example:
Flea beetles: If you notice small holes in the leaves, they are caused by flea beetles, you need to protect them with row covers or mulch and keep the soil moist.
downy mildew: It's a fungal disease that causes leaves to turn yellow and develop fuzzy growth. To solve this problem, you need to improve air circulation.
Powdery mildew: White spots that are caused by a fungal disease may appear. You also need to improve air circulation.
Harvesting and storing beets
Most beets will be ready to harvest 45 to 60 days after planting. The best time to do this is when the roots are small and tender; this way, the flavor will be sweeter and you'll benefit much more from its nutrients. If you do it too late, the texture can become woody.
You can start harvesting the leaves when they reach a height of between 7 to 10 cm, Since they are much more tender before reaching 15 cm, you can eat them raw or cooked. Try to leave some leaves on the plant because it will need them for root development.
The beets will be ready when you notice that their diameter is approaching approximately 5 cm.
To harvest, carefully dig around the base of the beet with a spade and gently pull it up. An important thing to note is that you should leave at least 2,5 cm of stem so that they don't bleed when you're cooking them.
Remember that you can use and benefit from every part of the plant. You can eat the leaves or prepare them in recipes, roast the roots or steam them, You can preserve the pulp of beets by canning them or fermenting them for longer storage. Beetroot leaves can often be confused with chard due to their close resemblance.
Stored
Once the beets are harvested, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to three months. If you want to keep them for more than three months, you can also try freezing or canning them.
Fresh beets can also be stored for three to four months packaged in a cool, dry place. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Beets are an easy and delicious crop to grow at home. With a few simple precautions and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a healthy harvest without much effort.
Remember to choose a sunny spot to plant your beets, keep the soil evenly moist, and protect your crop from pests and diseases. And in just a few weeks, you'll be able to enjoy the fresh flavor of home-grown beets.