We grabbed a packet of beet seeds on impulse; they weren't included in our modest plans for a container garden this year. Now that they've sprouted we're already delighted with their incredibly vibrant colors shooting up. But we're curious as to how these will do as container crops...
Sara Kate says that these only need about six inches of dirt, so they are actually very well-suited to containers. They are compact little vegetables; after all, when you eat a beet you are eating the entire root of the plant. We're going to fill up a big trough with organic potting soil and transplant these in about a week.
We'll direct sow another batch in a couple weeks, so hopefully we'll be eating tiny tender beets and red-veined greens all summer.
Delicious!
Related: On Growing Radishes
(Images: Faith Hopler)
Beautiful! That red is magical, it's almost unbelievable it came from a tiny seed.
view mattplantguy's profile
How strange that I never thought about growing beets in containers. It makes sense, though, considering that the clay-based soil we've got in Kansas makes it impossible to grow carrots unless they're in containers.
view lovelainie's profile
Lovelainie-- I've heard growing potatoes helps break up clay soil. I don't know for sure if that's true, but it might be worth looking into.
view v in boston's profile
I couldn't get my beet seeds to germinate! Will try a few direct sow next weekend, and see what happens. Kale has been amazing! The easiest plant to grow in the world!
view pinkuschi's profile
pinkuschi,
That's so funny b/c I consider Kale one of the hardest to grow since mine always gets infested with cabbage moths.
view Sara Kate's profile
quick question: what are the fiber containers you are using for your seedlings?
view brownpenny's profile