Beetroot

Beetroot is a popular root vegetable that can be grown within the UK

Cultivation

Time of Year

From March to October ^[1], there is something that can be done for beetroot seeds to be grown or harvested and at times.

Sowing

In the months from March to July, beetroot seeds can be sown ^[1].
Three seeds are sown at 10cm (3.93 inches) apart and 2.5cm (0.98 inches) deep in rows that are 30cm (11.81 inches) apart ^[1].
Sow small batches at fortnightly intervals from March or April to July for a succession of tender, delicious harvests ^[1].
It is advisable to use varieties of beetroot that are resistant to bolt a type of disease. It is also preferable to sow early and under fleece in Late February or Early March, but protection is not required past late March ^[1]. Beetroot is sown from June onwards and can be harvested in Winter ^[1].

Grow

Beetroot grows best in fertile, well-drained soil.
When seedlings are 2.5cm (0.98 inches) high, it is advised to separate the seedlings so that there is one every 10cm (3.93 inches). During periods where dry weather occurs water every 10 - 14 days ^[1].
If plants aren’t growing well, apply high nitrogen fertiliser. It is recommended to spread 30g (1.06 oz) per square meter (10.76 ft²)^[1].

Harvesting

Beetroot can be harvested from early summer through to mid-autumn times depending on the sowing time and variety. Always pull plants in alternate plants once the plant is golf ball size leaving the rest to reach maturity ^[1]. The maximum size beetroot can get is about cricket ball-sized ^[1]. Picking some of the beetroots allows for the rest to reach maturity without merging into their neighbours.

Trade

Places that harvest the beetroot will sell and eat the plant “as is”. For exportation, the beetroot is bottled. As transportation technologies are limited to Hybrid Trains for speedy long-distance it was seen as a good idea to preserve the beetroot for this reason and to give the food item a longer shelf life.

The Story of How Beetroot Became Contraband in Birdencaster

The current mayor of Birdencaster bought a large amount of bottled beetroot, pigging out on bottled beetroot when he came to going to the bathroom he was scared by his “leavings” that he might had contracted a life-threatening illness when he called a medical practitioner about he was quizzed about what he ate. As it was the beetroot that had made him scared for his life, he banned the importation of beetroot into Birdencaster. This was seen by the Mayor as being altruistic as to not scare anyone else.

Type
Edible Plant
Price
175 NS for 405g (14.29oz)
Status
Active but also a contraband in Birdencaster

Article Contents

Further Resources

References

[1] How to grow beetroot (RHS)

Acknowledgements

Elikwake
Elikwake's Author Page