Savouring the Harvest: Tips for Perfect Beets
Beetroot is more than just a root crop. Rich in colour and flavour, it’s a celebration of nourishment, simplicity, and earthy charm. At Noble Isle, we believe in cherishing the little moments. Just as nature offers stillness, so too does our Fireside Collection, a warm, spiced homage for the cooler days that follow summer.
We’ve partnered with Rob Smith from @robsallotment to bring you expert guidance on growing, harvesting, and storing beets with care and confidence, whether for the table, the pantry, or the sheer pleasure of the process.
Harvest at the Peak of Perfection
Beets are at their most tender and flavoursome when picked young – ideally around golf ball size. Carefully lift them from the soil using a hand fork, taking only what you need. Leave the rest to mature naturally, ensuring a steady supply of richly coloured roots throughout the season. For a space-efficient method, try planting 3–4 seeds per cell and harvesting the resulting clusters whole – no need to thin or separate.
Stagger Your Sowing for Season-Long Enjoyment
Sow beetroot seeds in small batches every two weeks from early spring until midsummer. This staggered rhythm ensures a continuous harvest of baby leaves and perfectly sized roots well into autumn.
Give Them Space to Thrive
Beets flourish in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Whether you’re growing in wide containers, raised beds, or open ground, ensure there’s enough room for each root to develop round and even.
Watering and Weeding: The Quiet Details
Beets prefer gentle but consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Uneven moisture can cause roots to crack or bolt prematurely. Keep weeds at bay with regular, light hoeing – a simple, grounding task best enjoyed in the golden light of late afternoon.
Common Problems
Bolting, or premature flowering, is often caused by stress such as temperature swings or inconsistent watering. Choose bolt-resistant varieties and sow them in cool, moist conditions. Remove any plants that bolt to protect the rest of your crop. Watch out for beet leaf miners, which leave distinctive tracks in the foliage. While they don’t harm the roots, it’s best to compost affected leaves or protect young plants with insect-proof netting.
Preserve the Beauty of the Leaves
Young beet leaves bring a delicate bitterness to salads, while mature ones can be wilted like chard. When harvesting for storage, twist the foliage off by hand, leaving about 2.5cm above the root. This simple technique helps reduce bleeding and staining your hands.
Storing Your Beets
After harvesting, store your trimmed beets in layers of dry sand, compost, or coir in a cool, dark place. This time-honoured technique keeps them fresh for several months without compromising their quality.
From Soil to Sanctuary: The Fireside Collection
After a day spent in the garden, there’s something deeply comforting about rinsing off the soil and wrapping yourself in warmth. Inspired by this quiet transition, our Fireside Collection blends notes of cinnamon, cypress oil, and vetiver – a luxurious reflection of the season’s slower pace. Whether through a nourishing hand lotion or a soothing bath, it’s a gentle reminder that beauty often lies in the everyday.
Discover more from Rob at www.robsallotment.com/ and follow his journey through the growing seasons.
Explore our Fireside Collection for a touch of warming spice this Autumn:
The Fireside Collection
