Growing beetroot

We've chosen two varieties of beetroot for the "Grow for Reading Town Meal" campaign. These are:

  • Boltardy from Seed Co-operative
  • Cylindra from Seed Co-operative
  • Golden from Moles Seeds

Sow seeds from April to July 2.5cm deep in rows 30cm apart. Thin the plants to a distance of 7 - 10 cm. Harvest can start in the summer. For storage, harvest in autumn before frosts start. Twist off leaves and store in a frost-free place, covered in sand.

Download the RFGN Guide to Growing Beetroot (PDF format)

Boltardy

This is described as a general purpose variety for fresh use and storage. Can be sown early.

Cylindra

Pick regularly for small long roots with a very good flavour. Can grow to a large size without becoming woody.

Golden

This is described as an attractive globe shaped, orange-yellow roots that turn golden yellow when cooked. Has a sweet taste, fine texture and tender, even when large. Leaves are light green and can be steamed or used raw in mixed salads.

Related resources

Grow Your Own Vegetables

Excellent book on growing vegetables with sections on techniques, a directory of vegetables, seasonal guide to jobs, and appendices on veg for the hungry gap, successional sowing and more.

How to create a New Vegetable Garden

Charles Dowding draws on his years of experience, to show how easy it is to start a new vegetable garden. Any plot -- whether a building site, overgrown with weeds or unwanted lawn -- can be turned into a beautiful and productive vegetable area. Charles's no-nonsense and straightforward advice is the perfect starting point for the beginner or experienced gardener. The book takes you step-by-step through: * Planning and early stages * Clearing the ground * Mulch - what, why, how? * Minimizing digging * Sowing and planting across the seasons * Growing in polytunnels and greenhouses It is filled with labour-saving ideas and the techniques that Charles uses to garden so successfully, and is illustrated throughout with photos and tales from Charles's first year in his new vegetable garden.

Organic Gardening The Natural No-Dig Way

A very helpful book about growing fruit and vegetables organically and without digging.

RFGN Guide to Growing Beetroot

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing beetroot.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing Beetroot (PDF format)

RFGN Guide to Growing French Beans

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing French beans, both climbing and dwarf.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing French Beans (PDF format)

RFGN Guide to Growing Onions

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing onions.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing Onions (PDF format)

RFGN Guide to Growing Radishes

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing radishes.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing Radishes (PDF format)

RFGN Guide to Growing Salad Leaves

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing salad leaves, including rocket.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing Salad Leaves (PDF format)

RFGN Guide to Growing Squash

The Reading Food Growing Network guide to growing squash.

Download: RFGN Guide to Growing Squash (PDF format)

Seed sowing techniques

Advice from the Royal Horticultural Society about how to sow seeds

Seed Viability Chart

Temperate Climate Permaculture's chart of seed viability times for the most common seeds used in gardens and farms