Many root crops that mature well into the second half of the year can be sown outdoors in late spring. Some candidates for sowing at this time include beetroot, carrot, parsnip, swede and turnip. The timing of sowing is a bit of a balancing act, however. Beetroot, for example, if sown too early, may ‘bolt’, producing premature seed. Some things to keep in mind when sowing beetrot, carrots and parsnips are given below.
- Beetroot: Space seeds 6 inches (15cm) apart with 6 inches (15cm) between the rows, as well. This should produce medium-sized, nicely rounded beets.
- Maincrop carrots: Sow in shallow seed drills, only 1/2-inch (1cm) deep. Sow thinly, 2 inches (5cm) apart in rows 6 inches (15cm) apart, to reduce the need for thinning out and to discourage carrot root flies. Water the drills immediately after sowing if the soil is dry, but do not overwater. The plants will produce too much leaf and the roots will split if overwatered. This is especially true if watered heavily after a dry period.
- Parsnips: Sow in rows or in blocks 4 inches (10cm) apart with 4 inches (10cm) between rows, to prevent the roots from becoming too large and misshapen; the longer the growing season, the larger they grow. Do not grow close to carrots as they both attract carrot root fly.
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Sow beetrot near the end of the spring season for the best results.
