Beetroot Cultivation
- Shadreck Mwimanzi
- 26 Aug, 2025
Beetroot Cultivation
Beetroot is a versatile and profitable crop that can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here's a comprehensive guide to help farmers successfully cultivate beetroot:
Land Preparation
- Choose well-drained, loose soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid heavy clay soils that can hinder root development.
- Enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Consider adding nitrogen-rich feed before planting and borax or boric acid if your soil is boron-deficient.
- Prepare the soil at least two weeks before planting to allow amendments to integrate.
Planting
- Sow seeds directly into prepared soil, 1-2 cm deep, and 10 cm apart within rows.
- Space rows 30 cm apart and water thoroughly after sowing.
- Thin seedlings to 10 cm apart once they emerge, using the thinned seedlings in salads.
Care During Growth
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use balanced fertilizers or additional compost midway through the growing season.
Harvesting
- Harvest beetroot when roots are about the size of a golf ball for optimal flavor and texture.
- Check maturity by gently exposing the top of the root.
- Carefully pull the roots from the ground to avoid damage.
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