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| BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris) 250 seeds per packet. An Old World crop known to the Romans, but not cultivated for roots until much later. Sow successive crops all season, starting 2-4 weeks before last frost in spring, and continuing until a month before first frost in fall. (Sowings in intense mid-summer heat may not germinate satisfactorily.) Sow where the plants are to grow, 1/2 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart, in full sun on a neutral (non-acid) soil. Most "seeds" are really capsules containing multiple seeds, so thinning to single plants is necessary. If thinned gradually, the thinnings can be enjoyed as greens. Keep soil evenly moist. When mature, lift and store in the refrigerator or root cellar. Late crops can be left in the ground, mulched deeply, and dug as needed right through the winter months. | ||
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