Agricultural technology for growing beetroot seeds
1. Variety selection
When choosing a beet variety, the following factors must be considered:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with more tender pulp are selected, and for processing - with denser pulp.
- Shape and size of root crops. Select varieties with root crops of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Beetroot is a light-loving and moisture-loving crop, so for its cultivation choose well-lit areas with fertile, loose and neutral acid soil.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and furrows 2-3 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
In central Russia, beet seeds are sown in open ground in late May - early June, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
Seeds are sown in furrows in rows with a distance between them of 25-30 cm. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1-2 cm.
4. Plant care
Beets are a moisture-loving crop, so they need to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
5. The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote the development of root crops.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
6. Harvest
Beet harvesting is carried out depending on the variety. Early varieties of beets are ready for harvesting 60-70 days after sowing, medium varieties - after 70-80 days, late varieties - after 80-90 days.
Signs of root maturity:
- Presence of a characteristic shape and size.
- Hardness of root crops.
- Dry stalk.
Ripe root vegetables are cut off at the roots. Store beets in a cool place.
Some tips for growing beets
- To obtain an earlier harvest, beets can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase the yield of beets, they can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect beets from pests and diseases, they can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing beets, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.
When choosing a beet variety, the following factors must be considered:
- Growing area. Depending on the climate zone, varieties with different ripening periods are selected.
- Purpose of cultivation. For fresh consumption, varieties with more tender pulp are selected, and for processing - with denser pulp.
- Shape and size of root crops. Select varieties with root crops of the desired shape and size.
2. Soil preparation
Beetroot is a light-loving and moisture-loving crop, so for its cultivation choose well-lit areas with fertile, loose and neutral acid soil.
In autumn, the site is dug up to a depth of 25-30 cm and organic fertilizers (manure, compost, humus) are applied at the rate of 5-6 kg per 1 m². In spring, the soil is leveled and furrows 2-3 cm deep are made.
3. Sowing seeds
In central Russia, beet seeds are sown in open ground in late May - early June, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches +10-12 °C.
Seeds are sown in furrows in rows with a distance between them of 25-30 cm. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1-2 cm.
4. Plant care
Beets are a moisture-loving crop, so they need to be watered regularly. Water the plants 2-3 times a week, using 10-15 liters of water per 1 m².
During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
5. The following fertilizers are used for fertilizing:
- Nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, urea) - promote the growth of leaves and stems.
- Phosphorus fertilizers (superphosphate, double superphosphate) - promote the development of the root system and flowering.
- Potassium fertilizers (potassium chloride, potassium magnesium) - promote the development of root crops.
Weeding is carried out to control weeds. To protect against pests and diseases, plants are sprayed with special preparations.
6. Harvest
Beet harvesting is carried out depending on the variety. Early varieties of beets are ready for harvesting 60-70 days after sowing, medium varieties - after 70-80 days, late varieties - after 80-90 days.
Signs of root maturity:
- Presence of a characteristic shape and size.
- Hardness of root crops.
- Dry stalk.
Ripe root vegetables are cut off at the roots. Store beets in a cool place.
Some tips for growing beets
- To obtain an earlier harvest, beets can be grown as seedlings. Seeds are sown in pots or boxes in late April - early May. Seedlings are planted in open ground in late May - early June, when the threat of frost has passed.
- To increase the yield of beets, they can be grown on a compost heap. The compost heap warms up faster than the soil, so seeds can be sown as early as early May.
- To protect beets from pests and diseases, they can be planted next to marigolds, calendula or nasturtium. These plants repel insect pests.
If you follow the agricultural techniques for growing beets, you can get a good harvest of this tasty and healthy crop.