Useful crop with a long season and easy to store (Beetroot)

Member Name: ecolojo

Product:	Beetroot
Date:	27/10/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Prolific, easy to grow

Disadvantages: Not everyone likes it!

Home grown beetroot is a very versatile crop which is easy to grow, store, and overwinter in the ground. Grate the peeled raw roots for use in salads, boil the roots whole, peel and serve with a little vinegar. The leaves are a colourful addition to salads when small, and may be cooked when larger.

+++ How to Grow Beetroot +++

Sow: Directly in the ground between March and July. For a winter and spring crop of beetroot, sow seed outside in July. For a summer and autumn crop sow seed outside from March to June.

Harvest: Pick individual small leaves for salads, leaving the roots in the ground. To harvest the roots, dig them up carefully to avoid damaging the skin. Brush the bulk of the soil off carefully, and twist off the leaves a few centimetres above the root.

Storage: Beetroot may be stored in slightly damp sand when harvested in October. Store in a frost free place, at temperatures between 1°C (34°F) and 4°C (39°F).

Beetroot appreciates a sunny, well manured and well drained site. Water in dry weather to avoid woody roots. Variety Cheltenham Green Top is particularly suited to overwinter growing.

Summary: A great winter vegetable cooked or in salads