Garden Tips: Grow Sweet Beets & Save Petunias for Winter
Gardeners, take note: proper care can turn your beet crop into a sweet success. Meanwhile, petunia lovers can ensure their beloved plants survive the winter with some simple steps.
Start with the soil. Thorough digging ensures a healthy environment for beets. For clay soil, mix in compost or sand to create a loose, fertile bed. Beets thrive in such conditions and require ample water, particularly at the start of growth and during root formation.
Proper fertilization is key. Apply cow manure and ash, 3 tablespoons per square meter, to encourage sugar accumulation. Additionally, watering with a salt solution - 1 teaspoon of table salt per bucket of water per square meter - during the active growth period can boost their development.
For petunia enthusiasts, winter storage is a breeze. Cut back the plants, remove dried parts, wrap the root ball in a plastic bag, and place them in a cool, frost-free location between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. Regularly mist the shoots to maintain humidity.
With these tips, your beet crop can grow into a sweet, tender harvest. Meanwhile, your petunias can bloom again next spring, ready to brighten up your garden.
