Grow your own beetroot and carrots

A new season is around the corner and although the soil is still too cool for sowing, start preparing for root veggies that can be sown from the beginning of September. Beetroot, carrot, parsnip, radish and turnip all germinate in cool soil, when day temperatures are consistently between 18°C and 21°C. 

These plants don’t take up much space and can even be planted in flowerbeds. For a continuous supply, sow at four- to six-weekly intervals. Since seeds are actually clusters of 2–5 seeds, the seedlings will appear in fairly dense clumps. For a good root crop, thin out the seedlings to about 5cm apart when they are about 5cm high. Feed once a month with an organic liquid fertiliser. Harvest when the roots are 5–10cm in diameter.