BEETROOT (Beta vulgaris)

Beetroot is a  biennial garden vegetable from the chenopodiaceae family

ROTATION Beetroot is grown in the root vegetable or leaf vegetable bed. CULTIVATION Seeds are sown in March in a cold frame during a waning crescent moon. They can be sown directly in place in May for a winter conservation.  NEIGHBOURING PLANTS Betroot appreciates being grown near cauliflower but dislikes being near potatoes, tomatoes and carrots. DISEASES AND PARASITES Mildew, rust and beet yellow virus (spray with lithothamme powder) are the principal diseases. Blackfly and white grub are the principal pests. ADVICE It is a vegetable which stores well during winter in a cellar or silo.