Transplanting beetroot

[JohnN]

I want to plant some more beetroot and the packet (Boltardy) says 'up to July'. Problem is that the plot is presently occupied by onions, which won't be ready for a couple of weeks. Can one sow beets in a seed tray and then plant out later? or is it better to wait, sow direct and hope for the best?
Many thanks for any advice, John N.

[alan refail]

Hi John

I would say "No" to both your questions.

On a more helpful note...........

I sow in modules (12 to half seedtray size) 2 or 3 seeds to each module. When the seedlings are about 2 inches high I plant the individual modules as are without disturbing the roots (beetroot usually respond badly to root disturbance). They are always quite happy growing in clumps.

Now would be a good time to sow - go for it!

Alan

[glallotments]

Like Alan we sow our beetroot in modules too. Have done for ages with good success.

[Beryl]

I would agree with previous comments.
Very successful planted in modules.

Beryl.

[John]

Me too. Modules are the best way to start beetroot (and swede) and this method gives excellent results.
If you are growing for a show though it is still best to sow directly into a dibber hole full of mp compost to get that perfect shape and straight root that the judges will be looking for. For the kitchen though, modules are just fine.

John

[Johnboy]

The only thing I would do is sow one Boltardy to the module because Boltardy seeds is a cluster seed to start with so the likelihood is that you will get more than germination from the same seed cluster.
Modules are the very best method to use. I sow 216 into a commercial tray one seed per module so if there are a few failures there are more than enough left.
JB.

[Victoria]

I sow beetroot in a seed tray and then transplant, with a bit of care it works fine.

[John P]

I always sow beetroot in modules, I did another lot about ten days ago and they are up and running. This later sowing is for the sole purpose of obtaining baby beets.

[alan refail]

I sow beetroot in a seed tray and then transplant, with a bit of care it works fine.

...but sowing in modules is pretty much foolproof and removes the need for "a bit of care".

[oldherbaceous]

Am i the only one that still sows them directly outside in long rows?

[Geoff]

No - me too. I found they took ages to re-establish from modules and were happier direct sown. One of the few things I still direct sow.

[JohnN]

Thank you all. One point - by "module" do you mean just a "group of seeds", or a group of little fibre pots, each with a seed in? Sorry to be so dense
John N

[Victoria]

I sow beetroot in a seed tray and then transplant, with a bit of care it works fine.

...but sowing in modules is pretty much foolproof and removes the need for "a bit of care".

This is true!

[Victoria]

JohnN - I think they mean one seed per module.

[alan refail]

Thank you all. One point - by "module" do you mean just a "group of seeds", or a group of little fibre pots, each with a seed in? Sorry to be so dense
John N

This is what I was referring to..