Freshly picked beetroot are wonderfully tender with a delicious earthy taste. Best of all, they're really easy to grow from seed. Follow our guide for the perfect crop.
What to do
Prepare soil for sowing by digging. Remove weeds, large stones and rake to leave a fine finish.
Seed can be sown directly into the soil from April to July.
Make a 2cm (0.75in) deep trench with a cane and drop in two seeds every 10cm (4in). Cover, water and label.
Thin out seedlings when 2cm (0.75in) tall, leaving one every 10cm (4in).
Keep well watered and remove weeds from bed.
Depending on variety, harvest roots 90 days after sowing, when they're between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball.
If you have a tiny garden, beetroot are easy to grow in pots.
