HOW TO GROW BEETROOT: A BEGINNER FRIENDLY GUIDE

Beetroot is one of the easiest root crops to grow at home, and it’s as nutritious as it is versatile. Whether you want to roast it, juice it, or grate it fresh into salads, growing beetroot gives you a continuous harvest of tasty roots and leafy greens year-round in many parts of Australia.

If you're wondering how to grow beetroot successfully, this guide covers everything from sowing seeds to harvesting and troubleshooting your beetroot plants.
 

What are the health benefits of beetroot? 

Beetroot contains essential nutrients like folate, fibre, potassium, and antioxidants. It supports healthy blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and boosts stamina. The root and beetroot leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, making it one of the most valuable crops you can plant in your garden.
 

How to grow beetroot at home

Beetroot is a fantastic choice if you're new to gardening or simply want a low-fuss crop that delivers great results. It grows well in most Australian climates, doesn’t take up much space, and can be planted throughout the year. Whether planting in raised garden beds, pots, or directly into the ground, a few basic supplies and some simple growing beetroot tips are all you need to get started.
 

What you’ll need 

• Beetroot seeds (available at most nurseries or garden centres)
   
• Quality potting mix or well-prepared soil rich in organic matter
   
• Raised garden beds or containers with good drainage
   
• Liquid fertiliser high in potassium (such as liquid potash)
   
• Watering can or hose with a fine spray setting
   
• Optional but helpful: shade cloth (for hot climates or summer sowing) and companion plants like lettuce, onions, or spinach to support healthy growth.
   

Instructions

1. Prepare your soil: Beets prefer loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. If you’re using raised garden beds, mix them with quality potting mix and compost or well-rotted manure. Avoid compacted soil, as root crops need space to swell.|
    
2. Soak your seeds: Beetroot seeds have a hard coating, so soak them in warm water overnight before planting. This helps encourage germination and gives your seedlings a strong start.
    
3. Sow your seeds: Sow seeds directly into the soil (avoid transplanting to prevent root disturbance). Scatter the seeds thinly in rows about 30cm apart and cover with 1–2cm of soil. Beetroot seeds can be sown year-round in most areas, especially during the growing season from late summer through autumn.
    
4. Regular watering: Keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds germinate. Water gently twice daily until beet seedlings appear. Once they’re established, reduce watering to a couple of times per week, depending on weather conditions. In hot weather, increase watering to avoid dry soil and poor root formation.
    
5. Thin seedlings: Once your young seedlings reach 2–3cm in height, thin them out to leave 5–10cm between each plant. This gives your beetroot space to develop round, golf ball-sized roots. Don’t waste the thinnings — they make a great addition to salads!
    
6. Feed for healthy growth: Feed your beetroot plants every fortnight with a high-potassium fertiliser like liquid potash. This encourages root development over leafy growth.
    
7. Harvesting beets: Your beetroot should be ready to harvest in 8–10 weeks. Look for roots around the size of a golf ball. Use a garden fork to gently lift them without damaging the roots. You can also harvest a few leaves from each plant throughout the growing period — just avoid taking too many, or the root growth may slow down.
    

Growing beetroot tips

• Beets prefer a sunny spot but can grow in dappled shade, especially during warmer months.Choose bolt-resistant varieties in summer to prevent plants from going to seed too early.
   
• Choose bolt-resistant varieties in summer to prevent plants from going to seed too early.
• Water consistently — beets dislike soil that stays wet or dries out completely.
   
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage leafy growth over root development.
   
• Use companion plants like Swiss chard, spinach, and onions to support healthy growth and help deter pests.
   

Bonus recipe: Aunty Nat’s Choc Beet Brownies

These brownies are the perfect way to use up extra beets from your garden and surprise your family with a decadent, fudgy dessert that’s both indulgent and secretly packed with nutrients. The natural sweetness and moisture from the beets give the brownies an incredibly soft texture, while the dark chocolate masks any earthy flavour, making it a hit even with picky eaters. 

It’s a great way to sneak veggies into a treat, reduce food waste, and make the most of your homegrown harvest!

Ingredients

• 3-4 medium-sized beetroots
• 100g unsalted organic butter (plus a little extra for the tin)
• 200g bar of 70% cocoa chocolate
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 100g plain flour
• 25g cocoa powder.
   

Cooking method

1. Top, tail, and peel beetroots and roughly chop them. Place in a bowl with a splash of water and cover with plastic wrap. 
    
2. Heat the beetroots in the microwave on high for 12 minutes or until tender (alternatively, cover with water and boil for 15-20 minutes or until tender)—place in a sieve to drain excess fluid.
    
3. Heat oven to 180°C. Grease the tin.
    
4. Roughly chop the chocolate and butter. Add the beets and vanilla essence to a food processor and whiz until smooth.
    
5. Place sugar and eggs in a large bowl and use an electric hand mixer to beat until thick and foamy.
    
6. Add beetroot/choc mix to the bowl and fold into the whisked sugar/eggs.
    
7. Sift in flour and cocoa powder and mix until a smooth batter forms.
    
8. Pour into prepared tin and bake for approximately 25 minutes.
9. Allow to cool and then cut into squares.

 

FAQs about growing beetroot

 

What are the best companion plants for beetroot?

Onions, lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard are good companion plants for beetroot. These plants help repel pests and improve soil structure, making them ideal neighbours in raised garden beds.

Can I grow beetroot in containers?

Yes! You can grow beets in deep containers or pots filled with rich, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the container is at least 30cm deep to allow roots to develop. Place in a sunny spot and water regularly.

How can I avoid overcrowding beetroot?

Overcrowding leads to smaller roots and poor airflow. Thin seedlings when they’re a few centimetres tall, leaving about 5–10cm between each plant. This gives the roots room to grow and reduces the risk of disease.

When should I harvest beets?

Beetroot is typically ready to harvest when the roots are about the size of a golf ball, usually around 8 to 10 weeks after planting. Check by gently brushing away some soil at the top of the root.

Can I eat beetroot leaves?

Absolutely. Beetroot leaves (or beet greens) are edible and packed with nutrients. They can be eaten raw in salads or lightly sautéed like spinach. Pick a few leaves from each plant to not slow down root growth.

Growing beetroot is easier than you think 

With a bit of care and the right setup, growing beetroot at home is simple, rewarding, and delicious. Whether you're planting baby beets in a backyard garden or tending beetroot seedlings in raised beds, these vibrant root crops will grow happily with minimal fuss. Happy planting!