Kitchen Garden Forum

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.

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

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

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

Beryl.

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

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.

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

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.

Victoria wrote: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".

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

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.

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

alan refail wrote:

Victoria wrote: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!

JohnN - I think they mean one seed per module.

JohnN wrote: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..