Outdoor Beetroot Seedling Planting Timing - An Intelligent Method to Determine Soil Warmth Suitability
Planting Beetroot Seedlings Outside: A Guide
Are you wondering when to plant your beetroot seedlings outside? Fear not, as learning to grow beetroot can be a breeze - even for beginners like me! I included it in my list of the best vegetables to sow in March for novice gardeners because it was a fantastic crop when I first started growing my own.
If you started your seeds indoors for a headstart this year, it's about time to bring them outdoors. But first, there are some essential steps to consider before planting them.
Gardeners generally use a general timeframe to figure out when to plant beetroot seedlings outside:
"You can usually plant beetroot seedlings outside around four to six weeks after sowing indoors," says Rachel Cole, seed manager at Mr Fothergill's. "This can be done from late March to May, depending on your local climate and when you started sowing."
There's a nifty way to tell if your garden is ready for your beetroot seedlings, according to Thompson & Morgan's horticultural expert Annelise Brilli:
"Once weed seedlings start to rapidly germinate on prepared soil, you'll know that soil temperatures are warm enough to plant your beetroot seedlings," she says. "Depending on where you are in the country and the season, this should be around late March or April."
Just remember, don't rush to plant them all at once - especially if you decide to move your seedlings outdoors earlier in the season. It's important to acclimatize them gradually to outdoor temperatures and conditions through a process known as 'hardening off.'
Start by moving your beetroot seedlings outdoors for a few hours each day before increasing the time and moving them into their final growing position. You can use a bell cloche, like this Amazon one, or a DIY cloche alternative, to shield them from cold temperatures when necessary.
Where to Buy Beetroot Seeds
If you haven't started sowing your beetroot yet, there's still plenty of time to do so. You can even sow the seeds outdoors from this month! Here are some fantastic places to buy them:
- Mr Fothergill's - Try the popular variety Beetroot 'Crosbys Egyptian'.
- Thompson & Morgan - Another solid choice is Beetroot 'Chioggia'.
- Amazon - Shop a wide range of beetroot seeds.
FAQs
Can beetroot seedlings withstand frost?
It depends on how old your plants are; young seedlings are more delicate and should be protected from frost until they're well-established.
What should you not plant next to beetroot?
Avoid planting beetroot near tomatoes or peppers, as they often attract similar pests and have conflicting care routines. So, get those beetroot seedlings planted! What other vegetables are you planning to plant in April?
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Sophie King
Sophie King joined the our platform team as Gardens Editor in June 2024. After studying English at Royal Holloway, University of London, she began writing for Grow Your Own, which spurred on her love of gardening. She's tried growing almost every vegetable under the sun and has a soft spot for roses and dinnerplate dahlias.
As Gardens Editor, Sophie's always on the lookout for the latest garden trend. She loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies.
Bring your home-and-garden to life by planting beetroot seedlings outside, following the essential steps provided in this guide for a successful harvest. As you plan your home-and-garden lifestyle this spring, consider incorporating gardening by sowing beetroot seeds or purchasing them from trusted garden suppliers like Mr Fothergill's, Thompson & Morgan, or even Amazon.
